Ave Spotlight

Episode 191: Motherhood’s Humble Confidence feat. Pamela Rivera

May 12th, 2026  |  53 mins 40 secs

ave maria press, ave spotlight, catholic podcast, eucharistic adoration, feminine genius, humility, marriage, mother's day, motherhood, oscar rivera, pamela rivera, prayer

In this episode, my wife, Pamela Rivera, joins me for a heartfelt conversation about how motherhood changes when our prayer life and interior life begin to deepen. Pam encourages listeners to embrace humility, rediscover the beauty of silence, and make space for the Lord to speak in the quiet moments of Adoration. Sometimes what our souls need most is less noise and more time in God’s presence.

In this conversation, we explore:

Why pride stands in opposition to the feminine genius

How trust in God’s providence grows when we take courageous leaps of faith

Whether marriage is more like a football team or a track team—and why the difference matters

Plus, I sit down with my own mother to ask one simple question: “What was I like as a kid?”

Episode 188: The Ride of Our Life: Holy Week Reflections

March 30th, 2026  |  29 mins 23 secs

almsgiving, ave maria press, ave spotlight, catholic podcast, fasting, holy week, lent, oscar rivera, prayer

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?

Episode 187: Prayer That Changes Everything Fr. Josh Johnson

March 16th, 2026  |  31 mins 6 secs

ave maria press, ave spotlight, call to holiness, catholic church, catholic faith, fr josh johnson, free podcast for catholics, oscar rivera, prayer, scripture

Fr. Josh Johnson shares his journey from spiritual searching to the priesthood and how prayer became the anchor of his life. In this episode of Ave Spotlight, he reflects on the universal call to holiness and the power of scripture to help us hear God’s voice. Slow down, listen, and rediscover how prayer can draw you into deeper relationship with God.

Episode 163: Last Week of Lent: Finish Strong with Oscar Rivera

April 14th, 2025  |  21 mins 2 secs

almsgiving, ave maria press, ave spotlight, fasting, free catholic podcast, how is lent going for you, lent, oscar rivera, podcast for the everyday catholic, prayer

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.

Episode 115: Best Lent Ever with Gary Zimak

March 20th, 2023  |  26 mins 20 secs

almsgiving, ave maria press, ave spotlight, catholic lent, chenele shaw, fasting, free catholic podcast, gary zimak, give up worry for lent, prayer

It’s not too late to make this Lenten season meaningful and transformative. Join Chenele this week as she talks with Gary Zimak, author of Give Up Worry for Lent!, about how to make the most of the weeks leading up to Easter. They talk about sticking to your fasts, being easy on yourself, and growing in your relationship with Christ.

Episode 9: The Family That Prays Together...

October 5th, 2020  |  31 mins 36 secs

ave maria press, family, family theater company, fr. patrick peyton, pray, prayer

Fr. David Guffey, C.S.C., shares the story of Venerable Patrick Peyton, the founder of Family Rosary who is famous for the phrase “The family that prays together stays together.” The forthcoming documentary Pray tells the story of Peyton’s life and shows how his wisdom can help families navigate media today.