December 26, 2025 - Hour 1

2025 Ave Maria in the Afternoon Year in ReviewSegment 1: The Limits of “Cultural Catholicism” (2 Segments)There are plenty of countries, especially in the West, that would be considered “culturally Catholic.” Their citizens know the basic tenants of the faith and observe the major feasts. But their practice of the faith does not have a transforming effect on their lives. Such cultural Catholicism is, simply put, inadequate to the transmission of faith and the evangelizing mission of the Church. Stephen White joins us with more.Segment 2: Fact-Checking in a World without Truth (2 segments)Earlier this year, Facebook announced it would suspend its third-party fact-checking system. The news was met with both applause and uproar, with many fearing it would open a platform for Fake News and lies. But can we even have fact-checking in a world that rejects the very notion of Truth? We discuss truth and relativism with Janice Breidenbach. 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