May 12, 2026 - Hour 1

Segment 1: Paul Preaches to the JailIn today’s First Reading, we are taken to a prison in Philippi, where Paul and Silas were taken for preaching the Gospel. When an earthquake opened their cell doors, they remained behind and shared the Good news with their jailer. Any Catholic who treats the faith as a private devotional practice has already given in to a modern life, a theology of isolation that will result in the fragmentation of the body of Christ. Jesus didn’t come to decorate our hearts’ private sentiment. He came to reign over every home, every church, every society, every culture, and every nation as Lord. Marcus has more.Segment 2: Archbishop’s Gala: Forming Shepherds for the Good NewsThe annual Archbishop’s Gala, which raises support for current and future seminarians in the Archdiocese of Detroit, is coming up on June 4 at St John’s in Plymouth. Fr. Brian Meldrum joins us to talk about the event and seminary formation.Segment 3: The Beauty of Shakespeare (2 segments)Shakespeare’s plays continue to be treasured by millions around the world. Dr. Henry Russell is directing a performance of one of Shakespeare’s early comedies, Love’s Labour’s Lost, in Ann Arbor this spring. He joins us to dive deeper into the meaning of Shakespeare’s works.The performances are Friday, May 15 and Saturday, May 16 at 7:00 pm and Sunday, May 17 and 3:00 pm at the U-M Lydia Mendelssohn Theater. Tickets are $10 or $40 for families and may be purchased at the box office or by emailing [email protected]. 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