In this special episode of Ave Explores, Katie McGrady shares her thoughts on the newly elected Pope Leo XIV. She delves into his background, career, and what we might expect in the pontificate ahead. Ultimately, she encourages us to let the new Holy Father introduce himself before we decide who he is as the 267th Pope.

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When plans to attend the canonization of Bl. Carlo Acutis shifted following the death of Pope Francis, Fr. Patrick Mary Briscoe, OP, traveled to Rome to report for Our Sunday Visitor, while Katie Prejean McGrady stayed in the U.S. to cover events for CNN and SiriusXM.

In this special episode of Ave Explores, Katie and Fr. Patrick reflect on the life and legacy of Pope Francis, share personal stories of meeting him, and discuss what may lie ahead for the Church as the 2025 conclave approaches.

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• Follow Katie McGrady on Instagram
• Books Inspired by Pope Francis

Join Fr. John Nepil, vice rector at St. John Vianney Seminary in Denver, as he explores the power of authenticity in faith and formation. He shares why “being normal” is essential—not only for preparing men for the priesthood but for all Catholics seeking to live and share their faith meaningfully. Fr. John also reflects on the significance of Holy Week, especially the Triduum liturgies, as a time to recognize God’s work in our lives throughout Lent. He challenges us to embrace the “dramatic pause” of these sacred days and enter more deeply into the mystery of Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection.

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Editing provided by Forte Catholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com/)

Links:

• Get Your Copy of Wilderness Within by Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN
• Learn More about the Episode Sponsor | University of Dallas
• Hear From June Jameson: The Artist Behind Wilderness Within

Katie and Tommy discuss the most hated practices people “have” to do during Lent. Is it fasting? Extra prayers? Almsgiving? They dig into why these practices feel so hard—and why we often dread them—even when we know they’re supposed to help us grow. Plus, they share some personal stories, spiritual insights, and maybe even a few Lenten hot takes you didn’t see coming.

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Links:

• Get your copy of Lent: One Day at a Time for Catholic Teens
• Follow Katie McGrady on Instagram

Courtney Roach, digital marketing manager for FOCUS and host of The Daily Nothings podcast, reflects on her journey to Catholicism and how her conversion ten years ago deepened her love for Jesus. She shares how Lent offers a renewed opportunity to grow in intimacy with the Lord. In this episode, Courtney discusses the power of authentic relationships, the importance of surrounding yourself with people who live their faith, and why turning to Christ before turning to your phone is key to true fulfillment—especially as a young adult.

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Editing provided by Forte Catholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com/)

Links:

• Get Your Copy of Wilderness Within by Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN
• Learn More about the Episode Sponsor | University of Dallas
• Hear From June Jameson: The Artist Behind Wilderness Within
• Check out Courtney's Podcast, The Daily Nothings Pocast

Katie and Tommy discuss the gift of going to confession during the Lenten season through the lens of the prodigal son.

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Editing provided by Forte Catholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com/)

Links:

• Get your copy of Lent: One Day at a Time for Catholic Teens
• Follow Katie McGrady on Instagram

The wounds we carry can leave us feeling fractured, but God’s love has the power to restore and heal. In this episode, Brya Hanan—author and licensed marriage and family therapist—shares how Lent invites us to pause, reflect, and tend to the weeds in the garden of our hearts. Discover how embracing vulnerability before the Lord can open the door to his abundant and limitless love.

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Editing provided by Forte Catholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com/)

Links:

• Get Your Copy of Wilderness Within by Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN
• Learn More about the Episode Sponsor | University of Dallas
• Hear From June Jameson: The Artist Behind Wilderness Within

At this middle point of the Lenten journey, Fr. Josh Johnson sits down with Katie to discuss the value of making a good confession in Lent, spending time praying about conversion and brokenness, and what it's like to hear confessions as a priest, in the confessional.

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Editing provided by Forte Catholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com/)

Links:

• Get Your Copy of Wilderness Within by Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN
• Learn More about the Episode Sponsor | University of Dallas
• Hear From June Jameson: The Artist Behind Wilderness Within

What is bearing fruit in our lives, what is draining us, and what do we need to change or fix when it comes to our relationship with Jesus? Katie and Tommy offer a practical activity to help evaluate things halfway through Lent.

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Editing provided by Forte Catholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com/)

Links:

• Get your copy of Lent: One Day at a Time for Catholic Teens
• Follow Katie McGrady on Instagram

Katie and Tommy discuss how much we look at our phones, screens, and all sorts of distractions throughout our day, which means we are often unable to be seen by the Lord. Lent is a chance to be vulnerable, and allow ourselves to be seen by Jesus.

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/)

Links:

• Get your copy of Lent: One Day at a Time for Catholic Teens
• Follow Katie McGrady on Instagram