Catholic Avengers

In this episode, Pelar Esshaki and Jeff Kassab dig into a striking Pew Research study revealing that a majority of American Catholics do not believe in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist — the core teaching that the bread and wine truly become the Body and Blood of Jesus at Mass. Instead, most surveyed Catholics view Communion as merely a symbolic gesture, a finding that cuts against nearly two thousand years of Church teaching and should give every Catholic pause.

Pelar and Jeff unpack what's behind this widespread confusion or disbelief, and turn their attention to something just as troubling: the everyday lack of reverence shown toward the Eucharist in parishes across the country. From casual reception of Communion to a general drift away from traditional signs of respect and awe at Mass, they explore how these habits both reflect and reinforce the erosion of belief the Pew study uncovered.

This is a conversation about catechesis, culture, and what's at stake when the source and summit of the Catholic faith gets treated as just another routine. Whether you're a lifelong Catholic, someone exploring the faith, or just curious about what the data says, this episode offers an honest look at where things stand — and why it matters.

In this episode of Catholic Avengers, hosts Pelar Esshaki and Jeff Kassab tackle one of the most sobering questions in the Gospels: when a bystander asks Jesus if only a few will be saved, He answers by pointing to the narrow gate. So what did He mean and does it really mean most people are headed for hell? Pelar and Jeff dig into the relevant Scripture passages, bring in the wisdom of the saints who've wrestled with this same question across the centuries, and share their own honest reflections on what the narrow gate demands of us today. It's a challenging, thought-provoking conversation about judgment, mercy, and what it actually takes to walk the narrow path.

In this episode of Catholic Avengers, hosts Pelar Esshaki and Jeff Kassab tackle one of the most challenging questions in the Christian life: Do most people go to hell? Exploring Jesus’ teaching on the “narrow road,” Pelar and Jeff turn to Scripture, the teachings of the Catholic Church, and the wisdom of the saints to examine what we can, and cannotknow about salvation. Join them for a thoughtful and honest conversation about judgment, mercy, heaven, hell, and what it truly means to follow Christ on the narrow road.

In this episode, hosts Pelar Esshaki and Jeff Kassab get personal, sharing real stories of suffering from their own lives and the moments that tested their faith the most. They talk honestly about pain, doubt, and what it actually looks like to keep going when things fall apart. But this isn't just a conversation about hardship, it's about what suffering can become when we let God use it. Pelar and Jeff explore how suffering, when united to Christ, becomes sanctifying rather than senseless, and why hope isn't a naive add-on to faith but the thing that carries us through the darkest seasons. A raw, faith-filled conversation for anyone walking through a hard season and looking for a reason to keep hoping.

Why does God allow suffering? And what do we do when life hands us a cross we never asked to carry?

In this episode of The Catholic Avengers Podcast, hosts Pelar Esshaki and Jeff Kassab dive into one of the most difficult—and most transformative—themes of the Christian life: suffering.

Beginning with the story of Simon of Cyrene, the man who was compelled to carry Christ's cross, we explore how God can bring extraordinary fruit from burdens we never chose. Simon likely had no idea that a single moment of reluctant obedience would echo through history and impact his own family for generations.

From there, we share our own personal testimonies of unexpected crosses, the struggles they've brought, and the ways God has used them to draw us closer to Him. Sometimes we don't understand the purpose of our suffering while we're living it—but faith reminds us that God is always at work, even when we can't yet see the harvest.

Whether you're carrying a heavy burden, questioning God's plan, or simply looking to deepen your understanding of redemptive suffering, we hope this conversation encourages you to embrace the cross with hope, knowing that Christ never asks us to carry one He hasn't already carried Himself.

"If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me." — Luke 9:23

Jesus said the road to life is narrow and few find it. So what does it really take to walk it? In this episode, Jeff Kassab and Pelar Esshaki dig into the danger of becoming a "check the box" Catholic — someone who fulfills the minimum requirements while missing the heart of the faith entirely. Tune in for an honest, challenging, and ultimately hopeful conversation about what it means to pursue holiness with everything you've got.

Catholic Avengers Return Summer 2026 by Catholic Avengers

Jeff and Pelar continue the year of Virtue with a discussion about Prudence. As the foundation of all virtue, Pelar and Jeff break down what it is and how to gain prudence in your daily life. Also, Pelar bought a smoker and it was a total disaster.

Jeff and Pelar kick off the 2023 podcast season by introducing this year's theme of Virtue. They discuss the importance of virtue in our lives and break down how we can start to prepare ourselves to increase in virtue and holiness. If you have ever wondered what it meant to be a virtuous person or are wondering where to start to increase in virtue, this episode is a must listen.

Jeff and Pelar discuss the upcoming Michigan Proposal 3 and it's contents in detail. If you have any questions about this proposal and what if anything your faith has to do with your vote - don't miss this episode.