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    <fireside:genDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 01:05:05 -0500</fireside:genDate>
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    <title>Ave Spotlight - Episodes Tagged with “Lent”</title>
    <link>https://avespotlight.fireside.fm/tags/lent</link>
    <pubDate>Mon, 30 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
    <description>Want to hear more about life from a Catholic perspective? Listen to host Oscar Rivera as he talks with special guests about culture, current events, and all things Catholic. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of your faith and how to live it in the world today. 
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    <itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type>
    <itunes:subtitle>with Oscar Rivera</itunes:subtitle>
    <itunes:author>Ave Maria Press</itunes:author>
    <itunes:summary>Want to hear more about life from a Catholic perspective? Listen to host Oscar Rivera as he talks with special guests about culture, current events, and all things Catholic. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of your faith and how to live it in the world today. 
</itunes:summary>
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    <itunes:keywords>Catholic, news, pop culture, Faith, hope, Ave Maria Press</itunes:keywords>
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      <itunes:name>Ave Maria Press</itunes:name>
      <itunes:email>katieprejean@gmail.com</itunes:email>
    </itunes:owner>
<itunes:category text="Religion &amp; Spirituality"/>
<itunes:category text="Society &amp; Culture"/>
<itunes:category text="News">
  <itunes:category text="News Commentary"/>
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<item>
  <title>Episode 188: The Ride of Our Life: Holy Week Reflections</title>
  <link>https://avespotlight.fireside.fm/188</link>
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  <pubDate>Mon, 30 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Ave Maria Press</author>
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  <itunes:episode>188</itunes:episode>
  <itunes:title>The Ride of Our Life: Holy Week Reflections</itunes:title>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ave Maria Press</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>In this Holy Week reflection, Oscar looks back on the Lenten journey—its highs and lows—and considers how God meets us in all of it. As beloved sons and daughters, we can trust that he responds to every effort we make. But how are we called to respond in return?

We’re not made to avoid suffering, but to embrace it with gratitude and grace, trusting that even our hardships have purpose. This week, as we walk more closely with Jesus, we remember that we’re already strapped into the ride of his love. The question is: will we trust him enough to pull the cord and follow where he leads?</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>29:23</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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  <description>In this Holy Week reflection, Oscar looks back on the Lenten journey—its highs and lows—and considers how God meets us in all of it. As beloved sons and daughters, we can trust that he responds to every effort we make. But how are we called to respond in return?
We’re not made to avoid suffering, but to embrace it with gratitude and grace, trusting that even our hardships have purpose. This week, as we walk more closely with Jesus, we remember that we’re already strapped into the ride of his love. The question is: will we trust him enough to pull the cord and follow where he leads?
We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends!
Editing provided by Forte Catholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com/) 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>Ave Spotlight, Ave Maria Press, Oscar Rivera, Holy Week, Lent, prayer, fasting, almsgiving, Catholic podcast</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>In this Holy Week reflection, Oscar looks back on the Lenten journey—its highs and lows—and considers how God meets us in all of it. As beloved sons and daughters, we can trust that he responds to every effort we make. But how are we called to respond in return?</p>

<p>We’re not made to avoid suffering, but to embrace it with gratitude and grace, trusting that even our hardships have purpose. This week, as we walk more closely with Jesus, we remember that we’re already strapped into the ride of his love. The question is: will we trust him enough to pull the cord and follow where he leads?</p>

<p>We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends!</p>

<p>Editing provided by Forte Catholic (<a href="https://www.fortecatholic.com/" rel="nofollow">https://www.fortecatholic.com/</a>)</p><p>Links:</p><ul><li><a title="Follow Ave Maria Press on Instagram" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/avemariapress/">Follow Ave Maria Press on Instagram</a></li></ul>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>In this Holy Week reflection, Oscar looks back on the Lenten journey—its highs and lows—and considers how God meets us in all of it. As beloved sons and daughters, we can trust that he responds to every effort we make. But how are we called to respond in return?</p>

<p>We’re not made to avoid suffering, but to embrace it with gratitude and grace, trusting that even our hardships have purpose. This week, as we walk more closely with Jesus, we remember that we’re already strapped into the ride of his love. The question is: will we trust him enough to pull the cord and follow where he leads?</p>

<p>We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends!</p>

<p>Editing provided by Forte Catholic (<a href="https://www.fortecatholic.com/" rel="nofollow">https://www.fortecatholic.com/</a>)</p><p>Links:</p><ul><li><a title="Follow Ave Maria Press on Instagram" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/avemariapress/">Follow Ave Maria Press on Instagram</a></li></ul>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
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<item>
  <title>Episode 184: Influencers, Algorithms, and the Psalms with Emily Mentock</title>
  <link>https://avespotlight.fireside.fm/184</link>
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  <pubDate>Mon, 02 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
  <author>Ave Maria Press</author>
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  <itunes:episode>184</itunes:episode>
  <itunes:title>Influencers, Algorithms, and the Psalms with Emily Mentock</itunes:title>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ave Maria Press</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Emily Mentock joins Oscar for an honest conversation about faith, influence, and a changing digital era. As the Catholic Church discerns how to navigate influencer culture, we explore what it means to cultivate an authentic online presence rooted in digital mission—not personal branding.

Together, we discuss the importance of resisting the pressure to “perform” as influencers by staying grounded in prayer, humility, and parish life. We also look to King David as a surprising model of influence and reflect on why the Psalms remain one of the Church’s most powerful—and underused—spiritual treasures.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>34:42</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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  <description>Emily Mentock joins Oscar for an honest conversation about faith, influence, and a changing digital era. As the Catholic Church discerns how to navigate influencer culture, we explore what it means to cultivate an authentic online presence rooted in digital mission—not personal branding.
Together, we discuss the importance of resisting the pressure to “perform” as influencers by staying grounded in prayer, humility, and parish life. We also look to King David as a surprising model of influence and reflect on why the Psalms remain one of the Church’s most powerful—and underused—spiritual treasures.
Check out Emily's Lenten devotional Praying with the Psalms: 3-Minute Devotions for Lent and Holy Week 2026 (https://www.avemariapress.com/products/praying-with-the-psalms-lent-2026)
We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends!
Editing provided by Forte Catholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com/) 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>Ave Maria Press, Ave Spotlight, Oscar Rivera, Praying with the Psalms, Lent, Easter, 2026, Catholicism, Catholic Church, Psalms, podcast for Catholics, digital evangelization</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Emily Mentock joins Oscar for an honest conversation about faith, influence, and a changing digital era. As the Catholic Church discerns how to navigate influencer culture, we explore what it means to cultivate an authentic online presence rooted in digital mission—not personal branding.</p>

<p>Together, we discuss the importance of resisting the pressure to “perform” as influencers by staying grounded in prayer, humility, and parish life. We also look to King David as a surprising model of influence and reflect on why the Psalms remain one of the Church’s most powerful—and underused—spiritual treasures.</p>

<p>Check out Emily&#39;s Lenten devotional <a href="https://www.avemariapress.com/products/praying-with-the-psalms-lent-2026" rel="nofollow">Praying with the Psalms: 3-Minute Devotions for Lent and Holy Week 2026</a></p>

<p>We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends!</p>

<p>Editing provided by Forte Catholic (<a href="https://www.fortecatholic.com/" rel="nofollow">https://www.fortecatholic.com/</a>)</p><p>Links:</p><ul><li><a title="Get Your Copy of Praying with the Psalms by Emily Mentock" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.avemariapress.com/products/praying-with-the-psalms-lent-2026">Get Your Copy of Praying with the Psalms by Emily Mentock</a></li><li><a title="Follow Ave Maria Press on Instagram" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/avemariapress/">Follow Ave Maria Press on Instagram</a></li></ul>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Emily Mentock joins Oscar for an honest conversation about faith, influence, and a changing digital era. As the Catholic Church discerns how to navigate influencer culture, we explore what it means to cultivate an authentic online presence rooted in digital mission—not personal branding.</p>

<p>Together, we discuss the importance of resisting the pressure to “perform” as influencers by staying grounded in prayer, humility, and parish life. We also look to King David as a surprising model of influence and reflect on why the Psalms remain one of the Church’s most powerful—and underused—spiritual treasures.</p>

<p>Check out Emily&#39;s Lenten devotional <a href="https://www.avemariapress.com/products/praying-with-the-psalms-lent-2026" rel="nofollow">Praying with the Psalms: 3-Minute Devotions for Lent and Holy Week 2026</a></p>

<p>We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends!</p>

<p>Editing provided by Forte Catholic (<a href="https://www.fortecatholic.com/" rel="nofollow">https://www.fortecatholic.com/</a>)</p><p>Links:</p><ul><li><a title="Get Your Copy of Praying with the Psalms by Emily Mentock" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.avemariapress.com/products/praying-with-the-psalms-lent-2026">Get Your Copy of Praying with the Psalms by Emily Mentock</a></li><li><a title="Follow Ave Maria Press on Instagram" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/avemariapress/">Follow Ave Maria Press on Instagram</a></li></ul>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Episode 163: Last Week of Lent: Finish Strong with Oscar Rivera</title>
  <link>https://avespotlight.fireside.fm/163</link>
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  <pubDate>Mon, 14 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Ave Maria Press</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/02fcd9a0-64df-4382-9960-c8f8c9842e25/cc645ab2-ca78-43f3-9ac3-1466a5a24c29.mp3" length="30328223" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episode>163</itunes:episode>
  <itunes:title>Last Week of Lent: Finish Strong with Oscar Rivera</itunes:title>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ave Maria Press</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>As we enter the final week of Lent, host Oscar Rivera reminds us that it’s not the time to dwell on any shortcomings in our almsgiving, fasting, and prayer. Instead, it’s a moment to refocus, recommit, and finish strong. Whether your Lent has gone exactly as planned or felt a bit off track, these last few days offer a powerful opportunity to embrace the spirit of sacrifice and spiritual growth. In this episode, Oscar shares encouragement and practical wisdom to help you make this final stretch count—so you can prepare your heart for the joy and renewal of Easter.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>21:02</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/0/02fcd9a0-64df-4382-9960-c8f8c9842e25/episodes/c/cc645ab2-ca78-43f3-9ac3-1466a5a24c29/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>As we enter the final week of Lent, host Oscar Rivera reminds us that it’s not the time to dwell on any shortcomings in our almsgiving, fasting, and prayer. Instead, it’s a moment to refocus, recommit, and finish strong. Whether your Lent has gone exactly as planned or felt a bit off track, these last few days offer a powerful opportunity to embrace the spirit of sacrifice and spiritual growth. In this episode, Oscar shares encouragement and practical wisdom to help you make this final stretch count—so you can prepare your heart for the joy and renewal of Easter.
We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends!
Editing provided by Forte Catholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com/) 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>Ave Spotlight, Ave Maria Press, Oscar Rivera, Lent, prayer, fasting, almsgiving, free Catholic podcast, podcast for the everyday Catholic, how is Lent going for you</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>As we enter the final week of Lent, host Oscar Rivera reminds us that it’s not the time to dwell on any shortcomings in our almsgiving, fasting, and prayer. Instead, it’s a moment to refocus, recommit, and finish strong. Whether your Lent has gone exactly as planned or felt a bit off track, these last few days offer a powerful opportunity to embrace the spirit of sacrifice and spiritual growth. In this episode, Oscar shares encouragement and practical wisdom to help you make this final stretch count—so you can prepare your heart for the joy and renewal of Easter.</p>

<p>We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends!</p>

<p>Editing provided by Forte Catholic (<a href="https://www.fortecatholic.com/" rel="nofollow">https://www.fortecatholic.com/</a>)</p><p>Links:</p><ul><li><a title="Get 10% off your next order at Ave Maria Press!" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.avemariapress.com/">Get 10% off your next order at Ave Maria Press!</a> &mdash; Use SPOTLIGHT at checkout.</li><li><a title="Follow Oscar Rivera on Instagram" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/oscartwoten/">Follow Oscar Rivera on Instagram</a></li></ul>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>As we enter the final week of Lent, host Oscar Rivera reminds us that it’s not the time to dwell on any shortcomings in our almsgiving, fasting, and prayer. Instead, it’s a moment to refocus, recommit, and finish strong. Whether your Lent has gone exactly as planned or felt a bit off track, these last few days offer a powerful opportunity to embrace the spirit of sacrifice and spiritual growth. In this episode, Oscar shares encouragement and practical wisdom to help you make this final stretch count—so you can prepare your heart for the joy and renewal of Easter.</p>

<p>We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends!</p>

<p>Editing provided by Forte Catholic (<a href="https://www.fortecatholic.com/" rel="nofollow">https://www.fortecatholic.com/</a>)</p><p>Links:</p><ul><li><a title="Get 10% off your next order at Ave Maria Press!" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.avemariapress.com/">Get 10% off your next order at Ave Maria Press!</a> &mdash; Use SPOTLIGHT at checkout.</li><li><a title="Follow Oscar Rivera on Instagram" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/oscartwoten/">Follow Oscar Rivera on Instagram</a></li></ul>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Episode 86: Take it Easy this Lent with Regina Boyd</title>
  <link>https://avespotlight.fireside.fm/86</link>
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  <pubDate>Mon, 21 Mar 2022 02:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Ave Maria Press</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/02fcd9a0-64df-4382-9960-c8f8c9842e25/c84b7931-c513-4bc6-a71f-4fa6e09ec00d.mp3" length="22498137" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episode>86</itunes:episode>
  <itunes:title>Take it Easy this Lent with Regina Boyd</itunes:title>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ave Maria Press</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Therapist Regina Boyd joins Chenele this week to talk about Lenten promises, scrupulosity, and not being too hard on yourself. </itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>22:47</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/0/02fcd9a0-64df-4382-9960-c8f8c9842e25/episodes/c/c84b7931-c513-4bc6-a71f-4fa6e09ec00d/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>Therapist Regina Boyd joins Chenele this week to talk about Lenten promises, scrupulosity, and not being too hard on yourself.  
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>Ave Spotlight, Ave Maria Press, Chenele Shaw, Regina Boyd, lent, scrupulosity, Lenten promises</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Therapist Regina Boyd joins Chenele this week to talk about Lenten promises, scrupulosity, and not being too hard on yourself. </p><p>Links:</p><ul><li><a title="Follow Ave Maria Press on Instagram" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/avemariapress/">Follow Ave Maria Press on Instagram</a></li><li><a title="Follow Chenele Shaw on Instagram" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/chenele_k/?hl=en">Follow Chenele Shaw on Instagram</a></li><li><a title="Follow Regina Boyd on Instagram" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/boydcounselingservices/">Follow Regina Boyd on Instagram</a></li></ul>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Therapist Regina Boyd joins Chenele this week to talk about Lenten promises, scrupulosity, and not being too hard on yourself. </p><p>Links:</p><ul><li><a title="Follow Ave Maria Press on Instagram" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/avemariapress/">Follow Ave Maria Press on Instagram</a></li><li><a title="Follow Chenele Shaw on Instagram" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/chenele_k/?hl=en">Follow Chenele Shaw on Instagram</a></li><li><a title="Follow Regina Boyd on Instagram" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/boydcounselingservices/">Follow Regina Boyd on Instagram</a></li></ul>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
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