February 19, 2026 - Hour 1

Segment 1: As America Turns 250, Bishops Sound the Alarm on Religious FreedomThe U.S. bishops’ latest religious liberty report warns that threats are coming from multiple directions — and calls Catholics across the political spectrum to respond. Andrea Picciotti-Bayer joins us.Segment 2: How to Obtain an Indulgence during the Year of St FrancisPope Leo has declared the period from January 10, 2026 to January 10, 2027 to be the Year of St. Francis, in commemoration of the 800th anniversary of the saint’s death. A plenary indulgence can be obtained during this time, one of the conditions for which is a pilgrimage to a Franciscan church. Fr. James Conlon of St. Francis in Ann Arbor joins us.Segment 3: The Free Market of Marriage (2 segments)Western novels, songs, and films make many assumptions about love and marriage. Yet one underlying expectation continues to shock the non-Western world: dispositive spousal consent, or the belief that a marriage is valid because two individuals freely choose one another, rather than because their families or political authorities approve the match. We talk more about this “free market” of marriage with Clara Piano. 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