Ave Maria in the Afternoon Full Hours - September 14, 2026 - Hour 2

Segment 1: AOC Claims of “Modern-Day Lynching” Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has publicly claimed that there has been a recent onslaught of “modern day lynchings,” citing several cases of Black Americans found hanged. However, investigations have found that most of these tragic cases were suicides, while others are still unresolved. Lynching has a specific history. Treating that word as a rhetorical synonym for every suspicious death involving a minority cheapens the historical reality and peddles undue social unrest. Marcus has more. Segment 2: Is college still worth it? Catholic families are asking important questions about the cost, culture, and value of higher education. Will it prepare students for a meaningful career? What kind of community will students find? And will their faith be strengthened along the way? The Newman Guide Virtual College Fair will help Catholic parents and high school students explore those questions while connecting directly with colleges recommended in The Newman Guide. Kelly Salomon has more. Segment 3: A Church in Dialogue – but with Whom? (2 segments) The Second Vatican Council’s Pastoral Constitution defines the responsibility of the Church to respond to perennial questions which men ask about the present life. We explore what it means to have a Church in dialogue with Randall Smith. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com