Curious about the peculiarities, quirks, and hidden treasures of the Catholic Church?
Join Katie McGrady and special guests for the next Ave Explores series as we uncover the weird, wild, and wonderful side of Catholicism! From relics and exhumed saints to Eucharistic miracles, Marian apparitions, and beyond, we’ll make sense of the mysteries and share the stories that often leave people scratching their heads. By the end, you'll be the one impressing friends with fun facts and newfound knowledge. Get ready to explore the Church’s most intriguing oddities—it's going to be a fascinating ride!
Teaser: Embracing the Oddities of Catholicism with Matt Maher
World-renowned, Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and producer, Matt Maher sits down with Katie McGrady to talk about the quirky aspects he loves about the Catholic faith, how he shares it in lots of non-Catholic spaces, and what it means to be your most authentic self in living and loving your Catholicism.
Week One: How Saints are Studied and Made with Meg Hunter-Kilmer and Deacon David Keene
Join Meg Hunter-Kilmer, author and storyteller of saints, and Deacon David Keene, an archeologist and canon lawyer, as they delve into the fascinating process of uncovering the lives of saints.
Week Two: Unveiling the Mystery of Relics with Sean Pilcher and Sharing Holy Stories with Jonathan Roumie
Sean Pilcher, from Sacra, an apostolate focused on restoring and recovering relics, shares the meaning and importance of relics for all Catholics.
Then, in a special bonus Ave Explores exclusive, Katie sits down with Jonathan Roumie, award-winning actor from The Chosen and executive producer of the new film Heart of a Servant: The Father Flanagan Story to discuss how the joy of his Catholic faith guides him in his career
Week Three: The Oddities of the Early Church with Mike Aquilina
Mike Aquilina, Catholic scholar and prolific author, discusses the unusual practices of the Church's first few hundred years and how they led to some of today's most cherished traditions.
Week Four: Big Honkin' Candles and Fun Feast Days with Steffani Aquila
Steffani Aquila, author of Festive Faith, walks us through the liturgical year and explains some of the most cherished, and oddest, liturgical living traditions and practices to help us embrace living a festive faith in our somewhat odd Church.
Week Five: A Baptist Becomes Catholic Because of the Bible with Sonja Corbitt
Catholic author and speaker Sonja Corbitt shares her journey from Southern Baptist to Catholicism, a conversion deeply rooted in her love for the Bible. In this episode, she discusses how scripture supports even the more puzzling teachings of the Catholic Faith—strengthening her devotion.
Week Six: Monks, Nuns, and Their Habits with Fr. Patrick Mary Briscoe, OP
Explore the fascinating world of religious orders, from distinctive habits to rich traditions, with Fr. Patrick Mary Briscoe, OP. He shares insights into the vows, rituals, and histories that make these communities a unique and impactful part of Church life.
