Ave Maria in the Afternoon

We have come to an incredible cultural moment. The seemingly unstoppable drumbeat for unlimited progress that has long characterized Modernity has lost its rhythm. Technological advancement and social engineering have not delivered the promised yet still elusive “good life.” Instead, rapid change without a compass has generated widespread dissatisfaction, distress, and disenchantment. Can we return to order? We talk with David Bonagura.Further ReadingFrom Secular Disorder to Catholic OrderGuest InfoDavid G. Bonagura, Jr. is the author, most recently, of 100 Tough Questions for Catholics: Common Obstacles to Faith Today, and the translator of Jerome’s Tears: Letters to Friends in Mourning. An adjunct professor at St. Joseph’s Seminary and Catholic International University, he serves as the religion editor of The University Bookman, a review of books founded in 1960 by Russell Kirk. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

Multiple US Bishops have now issued apologies or clarifying statements following a controversial photo showing several bishops in the Oval Office praying over President Trump. But regardless of how politicians or activists want to spin the story, it should not be controversial for the leaders of the Church to pray for a leader of a nation. Marcus has more.Further ReadingOpinion: When praying for a President becomes a scandalMarcus’ commentary from yesterday: Should the bishops pray for Trump? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

The latest report from Aid to the Church in Need shows that millions of Christians around the world continue to live under persecution. Ed Clancy has the latest data.Further ReadingPersecution of Christians worsens in almost 56% of countries studied, with none improvingGuest InfoEdward F. Clancy is the outreach director of Aid to the Church in Need-USA This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

Last summer, Catholics in Ann Arbor and beyond mourned the loss of Xavier Randolph, a young man who died in a drowning accident on Lake Michigan. Xavier loved to run, he loved his family and friends, and he had a deep love for Jesus. His brother Peter, who is now a priest, preached a powerful homily at his funeral and his family has been a remarkable witness of what it means to trust in Jesus, even in the hardest of times. His father Jeff joins us to tell his story and talk about the upcoming Xavier’s Race. Learn more about Xavier’s Race Watch Xavier’s Funeral Mass: * Deacon Peter (Now Fr. Peter) Randolph’s homily begins at the 20-minute mark. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

The Church has always taught that the Gospel bears social implications, shaping how Christians live in the world. Catholic Social Teaching, however, developed only when the fabric of Christendom — the legacy of Christian culture — had worn thin. Political revolutions overturned longstanding monarchies aligned with the Church, and the Industrial Revolution displaced family patterns rooted in the land and shaped by religious customs. In short, Catholic Social Teaching sought to apply the Church’s teaching to a dramatically changing situation as society embraced secularization and new economic realities. We talk more with Jared Staudt.Further ReadingCatholic Social Thought: An Election PrimerGuest InfoJared Staudt is Assistant Director of the institute of Catholic Culture. He is author of Words Made Flesh: The Sacramental Mission of Catholic Education (CUA Press, 2024), How the Eucharist Can Save Civilization (TAN), Restoring Humanity: Essays on the Evangelization of Culture (Divine Providence Press) and The Beer Option (Angelico Press), as well as editor of Renewing Catholic Schools: How to Regain a Catholic Vision in a Secular Age (Catholic Education Press). He and his wife Anne have six children and he is a Benedictine oblate This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com