February 18, 2026 - Hour 1

Segment 1: The Biblical History of AshesThe ashes placed on our foreheads today remind us that we will die, but if we repent and believe in the Gospel we will have new life. Marcus has more on the meaning of ashes and how they appear throughout scripture.Segment 2: Lenten Advice from St. BenedictIf you ask St. Benedict of Nursia, he’d say that Lent shouldn’t be necessary – because the Christian life by its very nature should be a life of penance and renewal. Lent offers us the chance to pick up our spiritual slack and return with renewed vigor to the core practices of the spiritual life. We talk more with Jared Staudt.Segment 3: The Healing Power of Lent (2 segments)It’s almost undeniable that God is working miracles of healing in evangelization today. For theologians, pastors, and evangelists some questions arise: What is the relationship between physical healing and the message of salvation? How can we take advantage of Lent as a special time of healing? Fr Mathias Thelen joins us. 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