Ave Spotlight

Episode 155: Mary, Music, and Misunderstood Classics with Oscar Rivera

December 20th, 2024  |  23 mins 13 secs

and mary, ave maria press, ave spotlight, christmas movies, christmas songs, oscar rivera, our mother

Get ready to jingle all the way through this festive episode! Oscar’s counting down his top 5 Christmas jams, spilling the tea on the most misunderstood holiday classics, and tackling the ultimate Christmas debate: Did Mary Know? But it’s more than just the music—Oscar dives into Mary’s incredible role in the Christmas story, highlighting her strength, faith, and why she’s the real MVP of the season. Whether you’re here for hot takes, fresh insights on your favorite carols, or a deeper appreciation for the queen of Christmas herself, this episode is your holiday vibe!

Episode 154: Embracing Mercy and Hope for the Jubilee Year with Joan Watson

December 9th, 2024  |  28 mins 51 secs

ave maria press, ave spotlight, joan watson, jubilee year of hope 2025, opening the holy door, oscar rivera, pilgrimage, rome, st. peter's basilica, verso ministries

Join Oscar and Joan Watson, Catholic speaker, writer, and pilgrim formation manager at Verso Ministries, for an enlightening journey into the Jubilee year! Discover the rich symbolism of the Holy Door at St. Peter's Basilica and its profound connection to God's boundless mercy. Joan shares powerful insights from her upcoming book, Opening the Holy Door, offering reflections that will inspire your faith. The episode concludes with an uplifting conversation about gratitude, hope, and the exciting possibilities of future pilgrimages with Verso Ministries. Tune in and prepare your heart for the Jubilee year this Advent season!

Episode 153: Part Two with Bishop Joseph Espaillat, II, On Earth as It is in Heaven

November 25th, 2024  |  32 mins 36 secs

ave maria press, ave spotlight, bishop joseph espaillat, disunity, god's kingdom, ii, oscar rivera, our father prayer, podcast for everyday catholics, unity

Why has our deep longing for community been overshadowed by division—setting my tribe against your tribe?

In part two of our conversation, Bishop Joseph Espaillat, II, and Oscar address the pressing issue of disunity and its dangers to God’s Kingdom on earth. They explore how polarization affects our faith and offer practical steps toward reconciliation. Plus, hear a message of hope and Bishop Espaillat’s inspiring closing words. Don’t miss this powerful discussion on the transformative power of coming together.

Episode 152: Part One: May Your Kingdom Come with Bishop Joseph A. Espaillat

November 11th, 2024  |  32 mins 3 secs

ave maria press, ave spotlight, bishop joseph espaillat, catholic podcasts, living for god's kingdom, oscar rivera, our father prayer, podcasts for the everyday catholic

Join Oscar and Bishop Joseph A. Espaillat as they unpack the powerful words, "may your kingdom come," from the Our Father and uncover the true purpose of this often-overlooked line in one of Christianity's most beloved prayers. They dive into what it really means to invite God's Kingdom into our lives, exploring whether faith has become too individualized and how we can refocus on community and unity. Along the way, we’ll explore an “amen or ouch” approach to speaking truth that challenges and inspires. Grab a cup of matcha (or a plate of mangú!) and let’s explore what living for his kingdom looks like today.

Episode 150: Lion’s, Springboks, and Womanhood: Balance of Strength and Grace with Katie Hartfiel

October 11th, 2024  |  24 mins 14 secs

ave maria press, ave spotlight, catholic podcast, dignity of women, example of mary, katie hartfiel, oscar rivera, podcast for everyday catholics, womanhood

In today’s episode, we dive into the powerful and mesmerizing springbok—an emblem of both strength and grace. Joined by Katie Hartfiel, we explore how the dignity of womanhood is rooted in the ability to embrace this balance. Through the example of Mary, the mother of God, we discuss how embodying both strength and grace enriches not only a woman's identity but society as a whole. Together, we’ll unpack the importance of recognizing and valuing these two, Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on the essential role women play when they embrace their full potential.

Episode 149: Manhood Derailed: How to Get Back on Track with Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers

September 30th, 2024  |  24 mins 51 secs

authentic male spirituality and fatherhood, ave maria press, ave spotlight, catholicism, deacon harold burke-sivers, ephesians 5, manhood, oscar rivera

In this episode, Oscar talks with Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers to explore his roots in Barbados and his lifelong passion for trains. Together, we uncover fascinating insights about trains, drawing a powerful analogy between the mechanics of cruise control and the state of modern manhood. Just as a train can coast smoothly when balanced and under the right conditions, the same applies to men navigating life. However, without that balance, cruise control can lead to disaster—much like how many men today risk becoming either overly dominant or too passive. Are we facing a derailment of manhood in today’s society? This conversation is both eye-opening and provocative, offering a fresh perspective that’s sure to spark deep reflection.

Episode 148: The Difference Between Piety and Scrupulosity and the Power of Longing for God with Tanner Kalina

September 16th, 2024  |  31 mins 2 secs

aching for greatness, ave maria press, ave spotlight, longing for god, oscar rivera, scrupulosity, st. augustine, tanner kalina

Ever wonder if your spiritual practices are drawing you closer to God or pulling you away? In this episode, Tanner Kalina sheds light on the subtle dangers of scrupulosity—when devotion becomes obsession—and how it can create barriers between us and the Father’s love. We also journey through the transformative life of St. Augustine of Hippo, uncovering how his mother’s relentless prayers and God’s boundless grace guided him from restless searching to profound peace. Join us as we explore the powerful intersection of faith, grace, and the deep yearning for divine connection.

Episode 147: Back to School Made Simple with Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN

September 2nd, 2024  |  28 mins 27 secs

ave maria press, ave spotlight, back to school, back to school tips, csfn, free catholic podcast, mental health, oscar rivera, sr. josephine garrett

Grab your backpack and get ready! In this episode, Oscar sits down with the ever-inspiring Sr. Josephine Garrett from the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth. Sr. Josephine dishes out practical and heartwarming “back to school” tips for parents, teens, and college students alike. From staying organized to staying faithful, she reminds us that even in the busiest seasons, ordinary people can do extraordinary things with God’s amazing grace. Whether you’re gearing up for class or just need a little back-to-school boost, this episode is packed with wisdom, laughs, and a whole lot of heart!

Episode 146: Oscar Rivera is Welcomed to the Ave Podcast Family by Katie McGrady

August 16th, 2024  |  26 mins 27 secs

ave explores, ave maria press, ave spotlight, free catholic podcast, katie mcgrady, national eucharistic congress, oscar rivera, podcast for everyday catholics

In this new episode of Ave Spotlight, host Oscar Rivera sits down with Katie Prejean McGrady—host of Ave Explores and The Katie McGrady Show on Sirius XM. Together, they discuss the origins of their collaboration, dive into their experience at the National Eucharistic Congress, and share thoughts on the Olympics.

Episode 145: Introducing the NEW Host of Ave Spotlight, Oscar Rivera!

August 2nd, 2024  |  8 mins 43 secs

ave maria press, ave spotlight, free catholic podcast, oscar rivera, podcast for everyday catholics

Oscar shares his hopes and prayers for this podcast—that it will bring encouragement, enthusiasm, and empowerment to everyday Catholics to live out their faith as described in Acts 2:42, “They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers.”

Follow along at avemariapress.com or subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.