February 19, 2026 - Hour 2

Segment 1: SSPX Doubles Down on Vatican Defiance (2 segments)The Priestly Society of St. Pius X says it will proceed with plans to consecrate new bishops on July 1 without a pontifical mandate, despite a Vatican warning that the move would represent a “decisive rupture” of communion and bring “grave consequences” for the group. Matthew Bunson reports on this and other Church news.Segment 2: Fasting as an act of love (2 segments)Why should we bother fasting? Why do those ascetical practices in Lent or any other time? Why bother with this self-discipline, this extra penance, especially if we’re already living fairly moderate lives? Isn’t it better to eat, drink, and be merry, given that we might die tomorrow? We talk with David Deavel. 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