Dr Gavin Ashenden is joined from Chicago by Melissa Villalobos, the recipient of the miracle that led to the canonisation of Cardinal St John Henry Newman in 2019, for the 11th episode of the Merely Catholic podcast series for the Catholic Herald.They discuss the possible ramifications of the decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Roe v Wade, the 1973 ruling that made abortion up to birth a constitutional right, as well as the hysterical and sometimes violent response of some of those people who are opposed to the new judgement.

They also speak of the signs of hope for America in the midst of what Melissa say is essentially a great ‘spiritual battle’ between good and evil.