Ave Maria in the Afternoon
Biblical theologian and commentator Dr. Marcus Peter examines Church, culture, and current events through the lens of Faith, from the heart of the Church.
Whoever Loves Me Will Keep my Word
5/23/2025
Rob Corzine dives into the Sunday Readings and Bill Cook looks at Pope Leo’s Augustinian inspirations.
Nazis vs. the Soldiers of Christ
5/22/2025
Joseph Pearce tells stories of the unknown Catholic resistance against the Nazis and we discuss the Enlightenment with Dr. Joseph Stuart.
Religious Liberty Roundup
5/21/2025
Peter Kleponis joins us to take your calls on winning the battle against pornography.
Normalcy at the JPII Institute?
5/20/2025
Dr. Greg Popcak explains why he thinks Pope Leo is bringing the JPII Institute for the Family back to its roots, and we discuss the Catholic Intellectual Tradition with David Deavel. Also, Brandon Van Dyck looks at the past and future of DEI.
Respecting Religious Freedom?
5/19/2025
Derya Little shares her journey through the riddles of God from Islam to Christ.
The Son of Man Glorified
5/16/2025
Rob Corzine joins us to preview the Sunday readings and how they show the growth of the Kingdom of God, and Anne Hendershott discusses the Irony of Progressive Theologians.
Pope Leo's American Citizenship
5/15/2025
What will happen to Pope Leo’s American citizenship? Matthew Bunson reports from Rome as we prepare for the Installation Mass. Also, Chris Shannon discusses what happens when we attempt to align the Church with America, rather than align America with the Church.
Care Workers’ Conscience Rights
5/14/2025
What do we mean by a Post-Christian world? Marcus explains and we talk with Tim Staples of Catholic Answers about the dangers of viewing the Papacy with American eyes.
Catholic Social Teaching
5/13/2025
We discuss Catholic Social Teaching and Rerum Novarum with Kishore Jayabalan and the unanswered questions of Fiducia Supplicans with Dr. Eduardo Echeverria.
Pope Leo Calls on Youth
5/12/2025
January Donovan discusses authentic womanhood and Adam Wright has an exciting update on his brain surgery recovery.
Pope Leo’s First Homily
5/9/2025
Bishop Daniel Thomas of Toledo shares his thoughts on Pope Leo IX and we talk about the Pope’s Christology with Matt Swaim. Also in this hour, Rob Corzine looks ahead to the Sunday Readings.
Bets on Who Would be the Next Pope?
5/8/2025
Habemus Papam! Matthew Bunson, Eduardo Echeverria, and Daniel Lendman weigh in on the new papacy.
Attacks on the Seal of Confession
5/7/2025
The State of Washington has passed legislation that would require priests to violate the Seal of the Confessional when reporting abuse. We talk with Andrea Picciotti-Bayer and Roger Nutt looks at the challenges facing the next pope.
The Saints on Parenting?
5/6/2025
We celebrate the Month of Mary with Steve Ray, and Dr Greg Popcak discusses what the saints can teach us about parenting.
The Church Through a Political Lens?
5/5/2025
We look ahead to the Conclave with Doug Keck and discuss the lie of totalitarianism with Daniel Mahoney.
The Right Side of the Boat
5/2/2025
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus commands Peter to throw his nets over the other side of his boat – and they are instantly filled. WE unpack the readings with Rob Corzine and discuss the unintended consequences of the Reformation with Dr. Brad Gregory.
St. Joseph the Worker vs. Socialism
5/1/2025
We contrast St. Joseph the Worker and the Marxist vision of the worker with Paul Kengor, and discuss the theology of the papacy with Dr, Michael Dauphinais.
Catholic Charter School to the Supreme Court
4/30/2025
Matthew Bunson reports from Rome as the Conclave approaches and we discuss God’s plan for creation with Matthew Ramage.
Lessons from Our Greatest Popes
4/29/2025
Looking for a way to explain the Conclave to your kids? Katie Bogner has a book to help, and we discuss the Church’s Apostolic hierarchy with Matthew Minerd.
Father Brian Mullady's Passing
4/28/2025
Doug Keck remembers his friend Fr Brian Mullady, who passed away last week, and we discuss the history of the papacy with Dr. Michael Breidenbach.
The Resurrection in History
4/25/2025
How do we know Jesus rose from the dead? We examine the historical evidence with Michael Licona.
The Pathways Forward
4/24/2025
Dr. Ralph Martin discusses what’s next for the Church following Pope Francis’ papacy. Then, Marcus talks with Patrick O’Hearn about the grief of losing a child and invites you to share your stories.
The Death of Pope Francis
4/23/2025
George Weigel and Matthew Bunson report from Rome as thousands of pilgrims arrive for Pope Francis’s funeral.
Mixed Messaging on Families?
4/22/2025
We continue our look at the life and legacy of Pope Francis. Dr. Greg Popcak discusses his mixed messaging on families, Deacon Harold-Burke Sivers reflects on the loss of a father, and we get a special tribute with Toledo Bishop Daniel Thomas.
The Pope Who Shook Up the Church
4/21/2025
We continue our look at the life of Pope Francis with Edward Pentin, John Cavadini, Peter Laffin and Doug Keck.
Good Friday, Death, and Christian Life
4/18/2025
We discuss Suffering, the Blessed Mother, and Good Friday with Dr. Steve Doran and Randall Smith.
A Cosmos Turned in on Itself?
4/17/2025
Andre Villeneuve discusses the Jewish roots of the Eucharist and we talk with Msgr. Michael Heintz about how love was manifested at the Last Supper.
The Right to Raise Your Own Child
4/16/2025
Dr. Tom McGovern gives us a medical and spiritual analysis of what Christ suffered during His Passion.
Triduum Tips!
4/15/2025
Worried about how your kids will handle the long Triduum services? Dr Greg Popcak has tips for helping them understand these most sacred liturgies. Also, Steve Ray takes us on a virtual tour of Holy Week.
Your Holy Week Holier?
4/14/2025
Monica Miller walks us through the Incarnational, Marian and Eucharistic themes in Mel Gibson’s Passion of the Christ.
Jesus Christ, our Living and Eternal Passover
4/11/2025
Marcus and Rob Corzine prepare for Holy Week by discussing the Palm Sunday readings and Jesus’s role as the new Pentecost.
USCCB Ends Refugee Programs with Government
4/10/2025
Matthew Bunson reports on the USCCB ending its partnership with the federal government for refugee resettlement and David Bonagura helps with tough questions for Catholics.
Convicted for Holding Sign Outside UK Abortion Clinic
4/9/2025
Andrea Picciotti-Bayer has the details on a woman arrested in the UK for praying in front of an abortion clinic and Will Estrada has an update on homeschool legislation in Illinois. We also discuss St. Paul’s writings on the Cross with Fr. Mitch Pacwa.
John Paul II and the Family’s Call to Holiness
4/8/2025
Pro-lifer Savannah Craven was assaulted last week in New York. She shares her story, and Dr. Greg Popcak discusses John Paul II’s Universal call to Holiness for families.
Forgiving as Unity with Christ
4/7/2025
Theodore McCarrick has died, but the stains of his scandal live on. We talk with Matthew Bunson, and Nathaniel Peters dicusses how Neil Postman predicted America “amusing itself to death.”
Be the First to Throw a Stone at Her
4/4/2025
“Let he who has no sin cast the first stone.” So says Jesus in Sunday’s Gospel – we unpack the readings with Rob Corzine. We also rethink the Enlightenment with Joseph Stuart.
Female Fencer Refusing to Fight Transgender Opponent
4/3/2025
A collegiate fencer was disqualified after she refused to compete against a transgender opponent. Marcus takes a look at the story, and Steve Ray discusses why we say the Mass is a Sacrifice.
Supreme Court Signals Support for Catholic Charities
4/2/2025
Is it “religious” to love your neighbor? Andrea Picciotii-Bayer discusses a SCOTUS case that is attempting to answer that question, and we discuss the meaning and power of God’s love with Peter Herbeck.
Original Snow White's Overlooked
4/1/2025
How did law schools become lawless? Ilya Shapiro joins us. and we get a Catholic view of finance from Chris McMahon. Also, Marcus looks at the Christian imagery behind the original story of Snow White.
The EWTN Film Faith of Our Fathers
3/31/2025
Steve Weidenkopf tells the story of Catholic heroes that history turned into villains.
The Prodigal Son
3/28/2025
Rob Corzine joins us to unpack the Sunday Readings and the Parable of the prodigal son.
Mother Angelica’s Timeless Wisdom
3/27/2025
Mother Angelica died on this day in 2016. Matthew Bunson honors her wit and wisdom and also discusses the latest Church news, and Will Estrada looks at how a Illinois homeschooling bill overreaches.
The Future of Faith-Based Schools in the Supreme Court?
3/26/2025
Why did Tolkien say the Ring of Power was destroyed on March 25? Joe Pearce joins us and Derya Little shares her path from Islam through the riddles of God to Christ.
The Discipline Sweet Spot?
3/25/2025
Richard Spinello discusses the anniversary of John Paul II’s Evangelium vitae and we celebrate the Feast of the Annunication with Rachel Fulton Brown. Also, Dr. Greg Popcak helps parents find the “discipline sweet spot.”
The Primary Educators of our Children
3/24/2025
Toledo Bishop Daniel Thomas discusses Pope John Paul II’s Evangelium vitae and we discuss how the Natural Law leads to Human flourishing with Melissa Moschella.
Reaching Catholics with Disabilities
3/21/2025
At Mass this weekend we hear the unforgettable story of Moses and the burning bush. Rob Corzine joins us as we dive into the Sunday readings. Also, Charleen Katra honors World Down Syndrome day and Marcus looks at a messy court case involving embryos produced through IVF.
Triumph over the Enemy!
3/20/2025
Saginaw Bishop Robert Gruss discusses growing in Holiness and invites men to an upcoming conference, and Dr. Ray Guarendi has practical tips and wisdom for getting along with (almost) anybody.
Kansas is No Place for Satanists
3/19/2025
Andrea Picciotti-Bayer tells us about a Satanic “Black Mass” scheduled to take place in Kansas and we celebrate the life of St. Joseph with Steve Ray.
What it Means to be a Catholic Man
3/18/2025
Marcus sits down with Adam Wright and Matt Swaim to disucss male Spirituality and how fathers and sons can grow in virtue together.
Preparing our Souls for Suffering
3/17/2025
We discuss the rise of Catholic apps and cognitive wellness culture with Dr. William Gonch, and celebrate the Feast of St Patrick with Bill Cook.
“This is my Chosen Son; Listen to Him”
3/14/2025
In this Sunday’s Gospel we hear the story of the Transfiguration. We unpack the readings with Rob Corzine, and discuss the problems with the modern-day religion of humanity with Daniel Mahoney.
Which States Protect Churches from Lockdowns?
3/13/2025
Since the Covid lockdowns, several states have revised their laws so Churches will not be forced to shut down again. We discuss this and other Church news with Matthew Bunson.
Ban on Conversion Therapy?
3/12/2025
Several US colleges are offering “Plan B” pills in vending machines. We talk about it with Kathy Schiffer, and look at the Church’s hour of testing with Fr. Donald Haggerty.
Decline of Christianity in America Leveling Off?
3/11/2025
The saints weren’t perfect – they were regular people with regular quirks and temperments. We celebrate them with Rosemary Berry, and talk with John Doherty about the history of Religious Freedom in America.
Gavin Newsom's Surprising Statements
3/10/2025
Neuroscience tells us we are hardwired for relationships. Sofia Carozza explains how. Also, Doug Keck discusses Gavin Newsom’s recent comments about how transgender women shouldn’t be allowed to play female sports.
The Temptation of Jesus
3/7/2025
We visit Jesus’ temptation in the desert as we unpack the Sunday readings with Rob Corzine, and Fr William Slattery discusses the meaning of a Catholic worldview.
Possible Eucharistic Miracle in Indianapolis
3/6/2025
The Archdiocese of Indianapolis is investigating a possible Eucharistic Miracle. Matthew Bunson has the details and we discuss the healing power of Lent with Fr. Mathias Thelen.
Lent and the Divine Life
3/5/2025
We continue our Ash Wednesday special with Steve Ray, Jared Staudt and Carl Olson, discussing the Biblical roots of Ash Wednesday and what the saints say about the season.
Don’t Just “Give Something Up” this Lent
3/4/2025
How can you help your family grow in holiness this Lent? Marcus talks with Dr Greg Popcak and takes your calls.
Lent is upon us, are you ready?
3/3/2025
Did Lent sneak up on you again? Doug Keck helps us prepare. We also look at the Unifying, Divisive Doctrine of the Papacy with Joe Heschmeyer.
The Splinter in your Brother’s Eye
2/28/2025
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus commands us to remove the wooden beam from our eye. We unpack the readings with Rob Corzine. Also, Roger Nutt shares his memories of meeting the popes and the role of the papacy in Church life.
Catholic Priests Attacked in Mozambique
2/27/2025
Two Catholic priests were attacked this weekend in Mozambique. Matthew Bunson has the latest on this and other Church news and we ask what this nation’s history can tell us about its future with Dr Jim Davis.
Nuance Is Key to the US Immigration-Crisis Conversation
2/26/2025
Marcus talks with Andrea Picciotti-Bayer about the need for nuance when discussing immigration, Josh Haskell shares how he overcame sexual addiction, and we prepare for Lent with Colleen Vermeulen.
Does the Church Leave Room for Magisterial Error?
2/25/2025
Does the Church leave room for magisterial error? We talk with Matthew Levering and Marcus reflects on Pope Francis’ papacy with clips from commentaries Al Kresta wrote over the years.
Praying for the Pope
2/24/2025
Toeldo Bishop Daniel Thomas joins us to discuss his response to President Trump’s IVF order and we look at the latest on Pope Francis’ health with Doug Keck. Also, Paul Kengor looks at the devilish roots of Karl Marx.
Love Your Enemies, do Good to Those Who Hate You
2/21/2025
Rob Corzine joins us with a preview of the Sunday readings and we discuss the principle of Ordo Amoris with Dr. Daniel Gordon.
Our Culture’s Attack on Masculinity
2/20/2025
Video has surfaced showing a female Anglican minister concelebrating a Mass. We discuss the story with Matthew Bunson and “Slow down for God” with Mark McMinn.
Trump’s Constitutional Triad
2/19/2025
What did the Carter presidency tell us about Christians in politics? Darryl Hart joins us.
The Cost of Fruitfulness
2/18/2025
Fr. Brian Graebe looks back on the 1700 years since the Council of Nicaea and Marcus responds to a claim that the Nazis “tood advantage” of Free Speech laws.
Jefferson’s Faithless Faith
2/17/2025
Marcus discusses the “Faithless Faith” of Thomas Jefferson and Wes Smith looks at the latest states that are considering assisted suicide bills.
Rejoice and leap for joy on that day!
2/14/2025
We unpack the Sunday Readings with Rob Corzine and Christine Flynn shares how she moved beyond “Spiritual, but not Religious.”
Marc Fogel’s Family: Sustained by Faith
2/13/2025
Matthew Bunson discusses recent Church news and we look at a day in the life of the Holy Family with Steve Ray.
The Church’s Capacity to Aid those in Need
2/12/2025
We look at the ongoing situation with USAID with Andrea Picciotti-Bayer and Dave Anders shares how the Catholic Church saved his marriage.
The Lifelong Effects of Childhood Discipline
2/11/2025
Pope Francis has appointed a new Archbishop of Detroit. Auxiliary Bishop Jeffrey Monforton joins us with the news. We also discuss the lifelong effects of discipline with Dr Greg Popcak and the legacy of the Monroe Doctrine with Brad Birzer.
To Whom Shall we Go?
2/10/2025
What lessons have you learned from your years of marriage? Marcus takes your calls.
Put out into Deep Water and Lower your Nets for a Catch
2/7/2025
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus tells Simon and his fellow fishermen to put out their nets for a catch. Rob Corzine unpacks the readings with us, and we reflect on the present moment in politics with Charlie Self.
What does China’s DeepSeek AI say about Christianity?
2/6/2025
How does a new Chinese AI Chatbot react to questions of Christianity? Matthew Bunson joins us, and Italian travel expert Teresa Tomeo discusses the Shrines and Wonders of Italy.
Expanding School Choice
2/5/2025
The public view of Congress is dismally low – so why do so many members get reelected? We talk with Randall Smith and discuss fact-checking in a world without Truth with Janice Breidenbach.
Make Your Family a Team!
2/4/2025
How do you build up your family and work together as a team? We talk with Dr. Greg Popcak, then Marcus takes your calls.
Vance vs the Bishops
2/3/2025
Did you know the holiday Groundhog Day has Catholic roots? Ryan Bilodeau explains. We also discuss how Church and State can work to the Common Good with Frank DeVito and discuss the pscyhology of Pascal with James Matthew Wilson.
For my Eyes Have Seen your Salvation
1/31/2025
Tess Livingstone tells the extraordinary story of the life of George Cardinal Pell and we unpack the Sunday readings with Rob Corzine.
Vatican Weighs in on Artificial Intelligence
1/30/2025
The Vatican has released its first decree on Artificial Intelligence. We’ll talk about it with Matthew Bunson, who also recaps other Church news, and Monica Ashour shares her experiences from nearly 30 years of teaching the Theology of the Body.
Beware of the Deepfake Magisterium
1/29/2025
Andrea Picciotti-Bayer has details on President Trump’s Executive Order restricting transgender treatment for minors and Travis Curtright discusses Thomas More’s example of holiness. We also talk AI and Deepfakes with Mike Dougherty.
My Education Experience
1/28/2025
Are your toddler’s tantrums getting the best of you? Dr Greg Popcak has some tips. Then we open the phone lines to hear your stories on how you have educated your kids – what has worked? What hasn’t worked? Marcus takes your calls.
The Latin Mass and the Youth
1/27/2025
Why is the Traditional Latin Mass so popular among youth? Phil Campbell joins us. We also discuss Catholic education beyond the classroom with Doug Keck and man’s quest for immortality with Matthew Becklo.
"Today, the Scriptures have been Fulfilled”
1/24/2025
Steve Ray takes us down the Road to Damascus to celebrate the Feast of the Conversion of St Paul and we unpack the Sunday readings with Rob Corzine and discuss why it was so scandalous when Jesus declared the Scriptures had been fulfilled.
The Transformation of Post-Revolution America
1/23/2025
A new CARA study shows a sharp decline in credible allegations against priests. Matthew Bunson has more and we talk with Shawn McGhee about how the revolution transformed the American identity.
Recapping Trump’s Executive Orders
1/22/2025
Andrea Picciotti-Bayer breaks down some of the early executive orders signed by President Trump and we discuss the Pslams with Mary McDonald.
Should we let our kids use social media?
1/21/2025
Do kids need a smartphone? Should they use social media? What are some good practices your family can put into place? We talk with Dr Greg Popcak and then take your calls.
President Trump Returns to Office
1/20/2025
What can Catholics expect from a second Trump administration? We talk with Peter Laffin and Doug Keck, and also look at the Equal Rights Amendment with John Czarnetzky.
“Do Whatever He Tells You”
1/17/2025
Rob Corzine transports us to the Wedding Feast at Cana to unpack this Sunday’s readings and we honor the wisdom of Food for the Journey host Sr Ann Shields, who is retiring after thirty years on the air.
Benedict gave me a “Box of Papal Secrets”
1/16/2025
Matthew Bunson reports on the latest Church news, including a box of Vatican secrets Pope Benedict gave to Pope Francis, and we discuss the Name of Jesus with Steve Ray.
Court Strikes Down Biden’s Gender Identity Rule
1/15/2025
A federal court has struck down Biden admin rules that included gender identity in Title IX laws. Andrea Picciotti-Bayer has more, and we look at the religious views of Isaac Newton with James Ungureanu.
Italy Bans Surrogacy
1/14/2025
The Italian Parliament has approved a bill making surrogacy a universal crime. We examine the ethical implications with Marianna Orlandi, and Os Guinness discusses the “Greatest Revolution in History.”
A Pastoral Guide to Abortion, Trauma and Grief
1/13/2025
Fr. James Kubicki joins us with daily devotions for the full year and David Pinault discusses how the people of Taiwan view themselves, China and the West.
The Initiation of Baptism
1/10/2025
This Sunday we hear of John’s baptism of Jesus. We unpack the readings with Rob Corzine.
The Top Church News Stories of 2024
1/9/2025
Matthew Bunson recaps the top church stories of the last year.
Light from Darkness: The Church Rises from Turmoil
1/8/2025
Matthew Bunson has the details on the new Archbishop of Washington, DC and we look at the times the Church has risen from darkness with Steve Weidenkopf.
Archbishop Sheen: The Convert-Maker
1/7/2025
We discuss the life of Fulton Sheen with Cheryl Hughes and Carl Olson presents the biggest obstacles to Synodality.
From the LDS to the Catholic Church
1/6/2025
Richard Sherlock shares his journey from the Church of Latter-Day Saints to Catholicism and how Catholics can better dialogue with Mormons, and we look back on Al’s 2012 interview with Jimmy Carter.