Editor’s Note: Matthew Chicoine interviewed Ana Munley via phone call on June 26th, 2025. Some of the questions have been rearranged and edited to provide the best reader experience without losing any integrity of the answers given.
How did you start your Tiktok?
I had a regular account I made in 2020. I posted something about reading the Bible in 2024 and it was flagged as a violation. It sat under review for several weeks. I was upset and feeling like I was being silenced about sharing my faith. So on December 15th, 2025 I decided to make a new TikTok and this one dedicated to my Catholic faith.
For about a month I only had Tiktok, but with the ban looming, I went over onto Instagram in January 2025.
Your Instagram bio says “Rooted in Christ. Built on Truth.” Can you share how that phrase became your personal mission and what it means in your day-to-day life?
I think it’s because growing up I was a cradle Catholic. My family was Catholic in name only. Being lukewarm, our life was about comfort over our actual faith.. but as I started to dig deep and look at the teachings I realized it is the way it is because it’s rooted in truth. Because of that, my faith was deepened and transformed.
I like to describe the Catholic faith being like the railings on the side of a highway to keep you on the road and safe, to keep you from veering off the road.
I always want to stay rooted in truth. The tagline speaks to the content that I share and the intent I have with sharing it.
You’ve grown a large following on Instagram and TikTok rather quickly. What do you think has resonated most with your audience—and what has surprised you about this journey?
The answer is the same one. What’s resonated with me the most is the rediscovery of my faith and hearing from cradle Catholics. It’s like you are re-catechetizing Catholics.
Bishop Barron said we are taught this “Sunday school” type of catechesis in either OCIA or in Catholic schools,but there’s so much richness in the faith.
People want to learn more but don’t know where to start. I’m not here to debate people and tell them they’re wrong.
My approach is more like bringing light to the truth instead of fighting darkness with more darkness.
You’re the host of the AfterMass podcast. What inspired you to launch it, and what kinds of conversations or themes do you hope to bring to light through that platform?
My first episode comes out next week. I want to provide reverts and new converts more information about the faith in a long-form manner. It’s based on how to be a more devout Catholic and how you can be the best Catholic you can be.
I want it to be a place to have conversations and not just a bite-sized version on the other platforms.
Being an “Unapologetic Catholic” online isn’t always easy—how do you navigate pushback or criticism while staying grounded in truth and charity?
This is something I have taken to Confession. My priest has given me really good advice. When you deal with negative comments especially the ones that bash the Theology of the Catholic Church. My priest told me that the Catholic Church doesn’t need my defense, She has stood before you and will remain after you.
Another thing to realize is to keep it charitable for the sake of those people who are watching and reading the comments who may slightly think the same thing as the negative commenters. Can my response help the people reading/commenting? If not, then I don’t comment that way.
I get feisty and a bit sassy at times (you can see that in some of my videos) but I always aim to have my responses be rooted in charity and truth for the sake of those reading.. And that is my approach.
Have there been any particular saints, devotions, or Church teachings that have deeply shaped your spiritual life and how you share your faith online?
Not necessarily any saints that shaped anything online, but Saint Rita has resonated with me. She is the patron saint of impossible causes (victims, the sick, etc). As far as my online work, Saint Maximlian Kolbe inspires me. He played a huge role in online evangelization and his life and death are a great example of not only how to spread the Good News of your faith but also how to live it.
What advice would you give to young Catholics who want to evangelize on social media but are nervous about being too “out there” with their faith?
My number one thing is to start with something that resonates with you. For example, if the Rosary is a devotion you are particularly passionate about and drawn to, start with that.
There’s a way to deliver your faith from a place rooted in faith while also delivering it with love and charity.
Looking ahead, what’s next for your ministry or digital presence? Any projects you’re especially excited about?
The podcast is definitely top of the list, and I am also working with a Catholic shop called Abundantly Yours in designing a Rosary (Saints Jude and Rita design). I’ll be sharing why these specific rosaries are important to me and sharing more of my personal struggles and how these Saints have helped me.
Where’s the best place to learn more about your ministry?
About Ana:
Living in sunny Florida with my husband Joe and our two kids, Emilia and Lucas. I’m a Catholic content creator, corporate professional and host of After Mass, a podcast for Catholics who want more than just Sunday. First podcast episode drops 7/1! Follow along on TikTok & Instagram: @anamunley where I’m sharing Catholic truth with conviction, compassion and zero fluff.
