Ave Explores

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

March 21st, 2025  |  Season 28  |  42 mins 23 secs

ave explores, ave maria press, brya hanan, courtney roach, csfn, fr. john nepil, fr. josh johnson, june jameson, katie mcgrady, mari pablo, oscar rivera, shayne smith, sr. josephine garrett, wilderness within

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.

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

March 21st, 2025  |  Season 28  |  7 mins 47 secs

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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

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

March 17th, 2025  |  Season 28  |  7 mins 7 secs

ave explores, ave maria press, bonus episodes, katie mcgrady, lenten reflections for the whole family, tommy mcgrady

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.

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

March 14th, 2025  |  Season 28  |  50 mins 38 secs

ave explores, ave maria press, brya hanan, courtney roach, csfn, fr. john nepil, fr. josh johnson, june jameson, katie mcgrady, mari pablo, oscar rivera, shayne smith, sr. josephine garrett, wilderness within

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 the temptation to close ourselves off and instead open our hearts, we create space for real spiritual growth. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on how Lent serves as a training ground for deeper faith and genuine connection.

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

March 10th, 2025  |  Season 28  |  8 mins 1 sec

ave explores, ave maria press, bonus episodes, katie mcgrady, lenten reflections for the whole family, tommy mcgrady

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.

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

March 7th, 2025  |  Season 28  |  39 mins 32 secs

ave explores, ave maria press, brya hanan, courtney roach, csfn, fr. john nepil, fr. josh johnson, june jameson, katie mcgrady, mari pablo, oscar rivera, shayne smith, sr. josephine garrett, wilderness within

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 intentionally pray, fast, and give, Christ offers us comfort, rest, and transformation.

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

March 5th, 2025  |  Season 28  |  41 mins 40 secs

ave explores, ave maria press, brya hanan, courtney roach, csfn, fr. john nepil, fr. josh johnson, june jameson, katie mcgrady, mari pablo, oscar rivera, shayne smith, sr. josephine garrett, wilderness within

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’s movement in our lives, and embracing the unknown can transform your Lenten journey. Don’t fear the wilderness—enter it with faith.

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

February 26th, 2025  |  Season 28  |  51 mins 34 secs

ave explores, ave maria press, brya hanan, courtney roach, csfn, fr. john nepil, fr. josh johnson, lent with sr. josephine garrett, mari pablo, oscar rivera, shayne smith, wilderness within

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 through RCIA with a group of women in Brooklyn, became a crash course in what it truly means to live the faith. Through the sacrifices and lessons of the Lenten season, he discovered that Catholicism isn’t always easy—but it’s always worth it.

Hope does not Disappoint with Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN

January 29th, 2025  |  Season 27  |  41 mins 37 secs

ave explores, ave maria press, cardinal michael czerny, csfn, eduard habsburg, elizabeth lev, hungarian ambassador to the holy see, joan watson, jubilee year 2025, katie mcgrady, opening the holy door, sj, sr. josephine garrett, st. peter's basilica, the jubilee year of hope

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 assess and deepen our hope in the Lord, making it a guiding force in our daily lives.

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

January 29th, 2025  |  Season 27  |  1 min 42 secs

ave explores, ave maria press, joan watson, jubilee year 2025, katie mcgrady, opening the holy door, reflections on the holy door panels of st. peter's basilica, st. peter's basilica, the jubilee year of hope

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 Panel 8: The Necessity of Love at https://www.avemariapress.com/opening-the-holy-door.

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.

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

January 22nd, 2025  |  Season 27  |  32 mins 41 secs

ave explores, ave maria press, cardinal michael czerny, csfn, eduard habsburg, elizabeth lev, hungarian ambassador to the holy see, joan watson, jubilee year 2025, katie mcgrady, opening the holy door, sj, sr. josephine garrett, st. peter's basilica, the jubilee year of hope

In this exclusive conversation, Hungarian Ambassador to the Holy See, Eduard Habsburg, 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 Vatican diplomat. Ambassador Habsburg also provides a glimpse into his daily work, explaining how world leaders and the Vatican engage on key issues. Finally, he offers a powerful message on how we can each create a personal Jubilee within our hearts, with the hope of one day making a pilgrimage to Rome.

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

January 22nd, 2025  |  Season 27  |  2 mins 6 secs

ave explores, ave maria press, joan watson, jubilee year 2025, katie mcgrady, opening the holy door, reflections on the holy door panels of st. peter's basilica, st. peter's basilica, the jubilee year of hope

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 10: Hope in the Face of Sin at https://www.avemariapress.com/opening-the-holy-door.

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.

The Surprises of a Jubilee Year in Rome with Elizabeth Lev

January 15th, 2025  |  Season 27  |  47 mins 10 secs

ave explores, ave maria press, cardinal michael czerny, csfn, elizabeth lev, joan watson, jubilee year 2025, katie mcgrady, opening the holy door, sj, sr. josephine garrett, st. peter's basilica, the jubilee year of hope

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 to adopt a pilgrim’s mindset, embracing the unexpected blessings and gifts of a Jubilee year.

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

January 15th, 2025  |  Season 27  |  1 min 44 secs

ave explores, ave maria press, cardinal michael czerny, csfn, elizabeth lev, joan watson, jubilee year 2025, katie mcgrady, opening the holy door, sj, sr. josephine garrett, st. peter's basilica, the jubilee year of hope

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 Found at https://www.avemariapress.com/opening-the-holy-door.

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.

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

January 8th, 2025  |  Season 27  |  46 mins 10 secs

ave explores, ave maria press, cardinal michael czerny, csfn, elizabeth lev, joan watson, jubilee year 2025, katie mcgrady, opening the holy door, sj, sr. josephine garrett, st. peter's basilica, the jubilee year of hope

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 also reflects on the true meaning of the Church, not as a building or a place, but as the people of God united in living the gospel.

Learn how the holy doors of the Jubilee symbolize a deeper spiritual invitation—one that opens within our hearts, calling us to renewal and unity.

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

January 8th, 2025  |  Season 27  |  2 mins 1 sec

ave explores, ave maria press, cardinal michael czerny, csfn, elizabeth lev, joan watson, jubilee year 2025, katie mcgrady, opening the holy door, sj, sr. josephine garrett, st. peter's basilica, the jubilee year of hope

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.