Basilica of Saint Mary Podcast

Faith Matters is a weekly podcast for the Messenger newsletter of the Basilica School of Saint Mary, which gets distributed to Basilica School families. It features Father Edward Hathaway, the rector of the Basilica. In this week's episode, Fr. Hathaway shares about October being the Month of the Rosary and the importance of praying the Rosary as a family.   He also invites the public to attend a free concert to celebrate our new organ, which will be held in the church tomorrow evening, October 24th, at 7 p.m. The concert will feature Paul Jacobs, a Grammy-award winning organist. Click here for more information and to reserve your seat(s).

Father Peter Clem, a parochial vicar, shares a homily during the Twenty-Ninth Sunday of Ordinary Time. It was given in the Basilica on October 19, 2025.

Faith Matters is a weekly podcast for the Messenger newsletter of the Basilica School of Saint Mary, which gets distributed to Basilica School families. It features Father Edward Hathaway, the rector of the Basilica. In this week's episode, Fr. Hathaway shares about Pope Leo's recent video on World Mission Sunday and the importance of being a missionary. (You can check out the video by clicking here.)  Tickets are still available for "Divine Libations," an evening of faith, gourmet food and delicious wine pairing on Oct. 18 from 6:30-9 p.m. in our Lyceum Auditorium, 313 Duke Street. Tickets are $75, but they are going fast, so buy yours today. Click here to find out how to get your tickets today. Father Hathaway also invites the public to attend a free concert to celebrate our new organ, which will be held in the church on Friday evening, October 24th, at 7 p.m. The concert will feature Paul Jacobs, a Grammy-award winning organist. Click here for more information and to reserve your seat(s).  

Faith Matters is a weekly podcast for the Messenger newsletter of the Basilica School of Saint Mary, which gets distributed to Basilica School families. It features Father Edward Hathaway, the rector of the Basilica. In this week's episode, Fr. Hathaway reflects on the school's Virtue of the Month: Trustworthiness.  He also invites the public to attend a free concert to celebrate our new organ, which will be held in the church on Friday evening, October 24th, at 7 p.m. The concert will feature Paul Jacobs, a Grammy-award winning organist. Click here for more information and to reserve your seat(s): https://stmaryoldtown.org/concert2025    

In this episode, the monthly series called “What Are the Sisters Reading?” continues. My guest for the month of October is from the Daughters of Saint Paul. Sister Allison Regina Gliot, FSP, shares about a young adult book she wrote called "The Curse He Chose," a riveting, genre-bending vampire book, the first installment of the In Aeternum trilogy, which unites the suspense of urban fantasy with the Christian drama of sin, grace, and redemption.   To check out more books on the Catholic faith and religious items of interest at the Pauline Books and Media Center at 1025 King Street in Alexandria, please click here.

Faith Matters is a weekly podcast for the Messenger newsletter of the Basilica School of Saint Mary, which gets distributed to Basilica School families. It features Father Edward Hathaway, the rector of the Basilica. In this week's episode, Fr. Hathaway focuses on the month of October being Respect Life Month.    Father Hathaway also invites parishioners to join us for Oktoberfest, our 230th anniversary celebration of our parish picnic. All are welcome to attend the 1 p.m. Mass this Sunday, Oct. 5, which will have Bishop Michael Burbidge as the main celebrant. Then, after the Mass, head over to the Basilica School, 400 Green Street, where the following festive fun will be occurring:  + A tented Bavarian bier garden + German dancers and lessons + A German band + German food/desserts and a roasted pig + A petting zoo + Face painting + Contests for best Bavarian dressed couple and family You will also have the chance to meet Bishop Burbidge, as he will be in attendance. Click here for more information. 

Faith Matters is a weekly podcast for the Messenger newsletter of the Basilica School of Saint Mary, which gets distributed to Basilica School families. It features Father Edward Hathaway, the rector of the Basilica. In this week's episode, Fr. Hathaway focuses on the importance of Priesthood Sunday, which will be celebrated this Sunday, and how to foster a culture of vocations at home.   Father Hathaway also invited parishioners to  be a part our Sept. 26th pilgrimage to Port Tobacco, as the oldest Catholic parish in Virginia — our Basilica— visits the oldest continuously active Catholic parish in Maryland: St. Ignatius Church in Chapel Point. This parish pilgrimage to historic Catholic sites in Maryland is part of our 230th parish anniversary celebration. Space is limited. Price of the $65 ticket includes bus transportation and lunch. Buy yours today by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4nmJ05d He also mentions the parish's Vocation Crucifix Program to pray for an increase in vocations. You can find out more by clicking here. 

Today's episode features Robert Nalewajek, Executive Vice President of CAPP-USA, which spreads the knowledge and encourages the practice of Catholic Social Teaching. His talk -- titled “Catholic Social Teaching: Dynamic Truth for Policymakers and Engaged Citizens" -- will occur on October 7, 2025, at 7 p.m. in our Lyceum Auditorium, 313 Duke Street, in Alexandria, Virginia.  To learn more about the talk, click here.  To learn more about CAPP-USA, click here.

Faith Matters is a weekly podcast for the Messenger newsletter of the Basilica School of Saint Mary, which gets distributed to Basilica School families. It features Father Edward Hathaway, the rector of the Basilica. In this week's episode, Fr. Hathaway ties Bishop Burbidge's recent statement on the assassination of Charlie Kirk to the Basilica School's Scriptural Theme for the year as a way to remind us that love – that "bond of perfection" – is the way to become instruments of healing in a world torn by division.  Father Hathaway also invited parishioners to  be a part our Sept. 26th pilgrimage to Port Tobacco, as the oldest Catholic parish in Virginia — our Basilica— visits the oldest continuously active Catholic parish in the U.S. This parish pilgrimage to historic Catholic sites in Maryland is part of our 230th parish anniversary celebration. Space is limited. Price of the $65 ticket includes bus transportation and lunch. Buy yours today by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4nmJ05d

Father Edward Hathaway, the Rector of the Basilica, shares a homily during the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. It was given in the Basilica on September 14, 2025.

Faith Matters is a weekly podcast for the Messenger newsletter of the Basilica School of Saint Mary, which gets distributed to Basilica School families. It features Father Edward Hathaway, the rector of the Basilica. In this week's episode, Fr. Hathaway talks about the power and significance of the Cross, as he reflects on Sunday, September 14, being the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross.  Father Hathaway also invited parishioners to  be a part our Sept. 26th pilgrimage to Port Tobacco, as the oldest Catholic parish in Virginia — our Basilica— visits the oldest active Catholic parish in Maryland. This parish pilgrimage to historic Catholic sites in Maryland is part of us celebrating our 230th parish anniversary. Space is limited. Price of the $65 ticket includes bus transportation and lunch.Buy yours today by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4nmJ05d He also shared that this weekend there will be a relationship health assessment survey using your phone will be occurring during all the Sunday Masses on September 13-14 and September 20-21. All replies will be anonymous.    The survey is an important part of our partnership with Communio, a non-profit organization that trains and equips churches to evangelize through the renewal of healthy relationships, marriages, and the family. The surveys will generate a customized, academically rigorous report on the marriage, family, and relationship dynamics of all the adults in our parish.   This report will be a key input that will inform a three-year mission plan for our parish with the goal of building a culture of marriage and relationship health in our parish church that allows us to evangelize our community through the renewal of marriage and family life.    If you attend Mass this weekend, please bring your phone. Paper surveys will also be available in the pews.     

Father Peter Clem, a parochial vicar, shares a homily during the Twenty-Third Sunday of Ordinary Time. It was given in the Basilica on September 7, 2025.

Deacon Sam Martinez shares a reflection on the Fourth Luminous Mystery of the Rosary, the Transfiguration, for our Communal First Saturday for September. It was recorded on September 6, 2025.

Faith Matters is a weekly podcast for the Messenger newsletter of the Basilica School of Saint Mary, which gets distributed to Basilica School families. It features Father Edward Hathaway, the rector of the Basilica. In this week's episode, Fr. Hathaway talks about the virtue of kindness, which is the school's virtue of the month.   He also encouraged school families to buy a special 230th-year parish anniversary edition of Basilica-opoly, which is a divinely inspired twist on the classic real estate game.  The game, for 2-6 players, is fun for all ages and all levels of devotion. Click here to pay and to make an order. Or inquire at the school office.  Also, all are invited to a Choral Rosary, with Eucharistic adoration, this Sunday, Sept. 7, at 7 p.m., in honor of the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is officially celebrated on Sept. 8.     

Father John Meyerhofer, a parochial vicar, shares a homily during the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time. It was given in the Basilica on August 31, 2025.

In this episode, the monthly series called “What Are the Sisters Reading?” continues. My guest for the month of September is from the Daughters of Saint Paul. Sister Julia Darrenkamp, FSP, shares about a book called “The Life of Jesus” by Andrea Tornielli, which interlaces the Gospels, the author's impactful and imaginative reflections, and includes the inspiring insights of Pope Francis.  To check out more books on the Catholic faith and religious items of interest at the Pauline Books and Media Center at 1025 King Street in Alexandria, please click here.

In honor of Labor Day, Father Edward Hathaway, the Rector of the Basilica, reads a meditation from the book by Francis Fernandez-Carvajal called “In Conversation with God: Meditations for Each Day of the Year,” Volume 4, weeks 13 to 23. This particular meditation is called “Loving our Daily Work: The Example of Saint Paul.” 

Faith Matters is a weekly podcast for the Messenger newsletter of the Basilica School of Saint Mary, which gets distributed to Basilica School families. It features Father Edward Hathaway, the rector of the Basilica. In this week's episode, Fr. Hathaway talks about the importance of growing in the virtues.    He also encouraged school families to buy a special 230th-year parish anniversary edition of Basilica-opoly, which is a divinely inspired twist on the classic real estate game. The game, for 2-6 players, is fun for all ages and all levels of devotion. It's on sale for Basilica School families for $25 through August 31, 2025. The price goes up to $35 for all school and parish families on September 1, 2025. Click here to pay and to make an order. Or inquire at the school office. 

Father Moses Tamale, a visiting priest, shares a homily during the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time. It was given in the Basilica on August 17, 2025.

In this episode, the monthly series called “What Are the Sisters Reading?” continues. For the month of August, Sister Kathryn Hermes, FSP, shares about a book called "The Selected Poetry of Jessica Powers," an anthology of poetry by a Carmelite nun who has been hailed as one of America's greatest religious poets.  To check out more books on the Catholic faith and religious items of interest at the Pauline Books and Media Center at 1025 King Street in Alexandria, please click here.

Today's guest is Caitrin Bennett -- a Catholic author and local homechooling mother who recently wrote a book called “Holier Matrimony: Married Saints, Catholic Vows, and Sacramental Grace.” Caitrin will share a brief preview of the talk she's going to give about her book on Tuesday, July 29,  2025, at 7 p.m. in our Lyceum Auditorium. All are invited. 

Father John Meyerhofer, a parochial vicar, shares a homily during the Fifteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time. It was given in the Basilica on July 13, 2025.

Stephanie Geraghty, a Basilica parishioner, is the new leader of the Gabriel Project, an outreach ministry through the Diocese of Arlington for pregnant women in need. To learn more about what they do, visit their website. In this episode, Stephanie talks about her background and why she felt called to step up to a leadership with the Gabriel Project. If you are interested in helping her out, please email her at gabrielproject@stmaryoldtown.org. 

Faith Matters is a bi-weekly Basilica of Saint Mary podcast that features conversations with Father Edward Hathaway, the Rector of the Basilica, on topics of interest to Basilica parishioners and the Universal Church. Today's episode centers on Father Hathaway reflecting on the meaning and importance of spending leisure time during the summer, using German philosopher's Josef Pieper's classic book on the subject as a starting point.  If you want to read Pieper's book, "Leisure: The Basis of Culture," just click here.  Please note: There is only one Mass on July 4, 2025, at the Basilica: at 9 a.m. Also, the 12:10 p.m. Masses will be held in our Lyceum Auditorium, 313 Duke Street, from July 8-11 and July 14-18, 2025, due to the new organ installation in the church. Click here to get more details. 

In this episode, the monthly series called “What Are the Sisters Reading?” continues. For the month of July, Sister Emily Beata Marsh, FSP, shares about a book called “Prayer Takes Us Home: The Theology and Practice of Christian Prayer,” by Father Gerhard Lohfink, a Jesuit priest from Germany. The book introduces the reader to the theology of prayer. We hope that, by listening to this podcast, you will be enticed to read this book.  To check out more books on the Catholic faith and religious items of interest at the Pauline Books and Media Center at 1025 King Street in Alexandria, please click here.

Father Edward Hathaway, the Rector of the Basilica, shares a homily during the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. It was given in the Basilica on June 29, 2025.

Father Joseph Townsend, a parochial vicar, shares a homily during the Feast of Corpus Christi. It was given in the Basilica on June 22, 2025.

Faith Matters is a bi-weekly Basilica of Saint Mary podcast that features conversations with Father Edward Hathaway, the Rector of the Basilica, on topics of interest to Basilica parishioners and the Universal Church. Today's episode centers on the Eucharist, as Father Hathaway invites parishioners to participate in the parish's June 22nd Corpus Christi Eucharistic Procession and points out why it's important to be reverent to the fact that Jesus is fully present -- Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity in the Eucharist -- citing a recent TV show that mocked the Eucharist.  All are invited to take part in our traditional Corpus Christi procession following the 5 p.m. Mass on Sunday, June 22, 2025. Clergy and parishioners will participate in this prayerful, joyous witness to our core Catholic belief in the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. After the Mass, we will process with the Blessed Sacrament, south along Royal Street, to the school gym at 400 Green Street, and back to the Basilica for Benediction. Following Benediction, there will be a reception in the courtyard at 314 Duke Street that will feature Perrier, Prosecco and popsicles.  

Faith Matters is a weekly podcast for the Messenger newsletter of the Basilica School of Saint Mary, which gets distributed to Basilica School families. It features Father Edward Hathaway, the rector of the Basilica. In this week's episode, the last of this school year, Fr. Hathaway thanks all the school families for choosing the Basilica school, and he also thanked Mr. Loia and all the school staff and teachers for their dedicated work.   He also shared what his summer wishes are for all the students and their families. Have a blessed next several months! 

Father James Searby, a parochial vicar, shares a homily during Pentecost Sunday. It was given in the Basilica on June 8, 2025.

Faith Matters is a weekly podcast for the Messenger newsletter of the Basilica School of Saint Mary, which gets distributed to Basilica School families. It features Father Edward Hathaway, the rector of the Basilica. In this week's episode, Fr. Hathaway reflects on Pentecost Sunday, which occurs this Sunday, June 8, especially as it relates to the power of the Holy Spirit to change lives.  He also congratulates all the 8th-graders set to graduate tomorrow from the Basilica School and invites all families to join the Hallow app, which is the number one prayer and meditation app in the country. Click here for more information and to learn how to join it. 

Father Edward Hathaway, the Rector of the Basilica, shares a homily during the Seventh Sunday of Easter, the Ascension of the Lord. It was given in the Basilica on June 1, 2025.

In this episode, the monthly series called “What Are the Sisters Reading?” continues. For the month of June, Sister Emily Beata Marsh, FSP, and Sister Maria Grace Dateno, FSP, share about a book called "God Made That! Catholic Nature Field Guide," by Kathleen Hoenke and Bill Jacobs, Catholic ecologists of the Saint Kateri Conservation Center.  This illustrated guide introduces children ages 9-11 to the science and wonder of the created world, plus topics in Catholic social teaching and environmental stewardship, through descriptions of the biomes and species of the United States and Canada, nature journal prompts, hands-on activities, saint profiles, prayers, and more.  To check out more books on the Catholic faith and religious items of interest at the Pauline Books and Media Center at 1025 King Street in Alexandria, please click here.

Faith Matters is a weekly podcast for the Messenger newsletter of the Basilica School of Saint Mary, which gets distributed to Basilica School families. It features Father Edward Hathaway, the rector of the Basilica. In this week's episode, Fr. Hathaway reflects on the Ascension of our Lord and what that means for us as Christians. He also invites all school families and parishioners to a 5K run-walk on Saturday morning, May 31st, called "Run with Haste." Click here for more details and to register. In addition, he invites all school families and parishioners to a Basilica School pageant, which is part of the parish's 230th-year anniversary celebrations. It will occur on Tuesday, June 3rd, in the Basilica School gym at 6:30 p.m. Click here for more information. Finally, he invites all to a free pilgrimage to the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, MD, on Saturday, June 14, with him and two other priests, Father Dan Hanley and Msgr. Bob Rippy. Click here for more information and to register. 

Father Joseph Townsend, a parochial vicar, shares a homily during the Sixth Sunday of Easter. It was given in the Basilica on May 25, 2025.

Today's episode features Dr. Nicolas McAfee, the Postdoctoral Teaching Fellow at the Center for Thomas More Studies who, in the fall, will join the faculty of Christendom College as Assistant Professor of Political Science and Economics, and Dr. Shaun Rieley, the Director of Educational Programs & Teaching Fellow at Hillsdale College's Washington, DC, campus. The episode shares their May 20th, 2025, conversation in our Lyceum Auditorium on the following topic: “Prudence and Patriotism: St. Thomas More's Dynamic Approach.”   

Faith Matters is a new weekly podcast for the Messenger newsletter of the Basilica School of Saint Mary, which gets distributed to Basilica School families. It features Father Edward Hathaway, the rector of the Basilica. In this week's episode, Fr. Hathaway reflects on recently celebrating 34 years as a priest. He also talks about the recent clergy assignments, which includes Fr. Joseph being assigned to St. Andrew's in Clifton, Virginia, and Transitional Deacon John Meyerhofer, who will be ordained on June 7, as the Basilica's next parochial vicar. Click here to learn more about these recent clergy assignments. 

Faith Matters is a new bi-weekly Basilica of Saint Mary podcast that features conversations with Father Edward Hathaway, the Rector of the Basilica, on topics of interest to Basilica parishioners and the Universal Church. Today's episode includes the recent priest convocation Father Hathaway and his brother priests attended. He also offers some reflections on Pope Leo XIV. 

Faith Matters is a new weekly podcast for the Messenger newsletter of the Basilica School of Saint Mary, which gets distributed to Basilica School families. It features Father Edward Hathaway, the rector of the Basilica. In this week's episode, Fr. Hathaway ties the virtue of the month at the school -- patience -- to the Blessed Mother, who was the epitome of patience during her life. May is referred to as the month of Mary, so it's a very appropriate topic. 

Today's episode features David Bereit, an internationally acclaimed pro-life leader, strategic advisor, and passionate Catholic convert who is also the founder of 40 Days for Life. His Theology on Tap talk was called “Love, Life, and Liberation: Uncovering the Power and Purpose of Humanae Vitae.” It was recorded at Murphy's Grand Irish Pub in Alexandria, Virginia, on April 7, 2025. 

Father Edward Hathaway, the Rector of the Basilica, shares a homily during the Fourth Sunday of Easter. It was given in the Basilica on May 11, 2025.

Faith Matters is a new weekly podcast for the Messenger newsletter of the Basilica School of Saint Mary, which gets distributed to Basilica School families. It features Father Edward Hathaway, the rector of the Basilica. Normally released via video, from now on Faith Matters will be recorded and released as a podcast. In this week's episode, Fr. Hathaway shares about the virtue of the month at the school: patience. He also mentions the role the Holy Spirit plays during the Conclave to select a new pope and also in our lives. Please note: when this was recorded, the new pope -- which we now know to be Pope Leo XVI -- had not been selected. 

Father Edward Hathaway, the Rector of the Basilica, shares a homily during the Third Sunday of Easter. It was given in the Basilica on May 4, 2025.

Transitional Deacon David Tines has been helping out at the Basilica since last August as part of his final year as a seminarian at Mount Saint Mary's Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland. His home diocese is the Diocese of Lincoln, Nebraska, where he will be ordained on May 24, 2025. His last weekend helping out at the parish was April 26-27, 2025. In this interview, he reflects on his time at the parish.

The guest in today's episode is Dr. Nicolas McAfee, the Postdoctoral Teaching Fellow at the Center for Thomas More Studies who, in the fall, will join the faculty of Christendom College as Assistant Professor of Political Science and Economics. He previews his May 20, 2025, conversation he will have with Dr. Shaun Rieley, the Director of Educational Programs & Teaching Fellow at Hillsdale College's Washington, DC, campus, on the following topic: “Prudence and Patriotism: St. Thomas More's Dynamic Approach.” Their conversation will occur on on May 20 at 7 p.m. in our Lyceum Auditorium, 313 Duke St. Please click here for more information.   

In this episode, the monthly series called “What Are the Sisters Reading?” continues. For the month of May, Sister Emily Beata Marsh, FSP, and Sister Kathryn James, FSP, share about a book called "Eucharistic Amazement: Experience the Wonder of the Mass," by Father Randy Stice, the director of the Office of Worship and Liturgy for the Diocese of Knoxville.  The book weaves together liturgy, catechesis, the Catholic mystical tradition, insights from the saints, and practical ways to grow in your Eucharistic faith and devotion. Reawaken to the power and wonder of the Mass with this journey through the treasures of the Church's sacramental and liturgical tradition, featuring stunning insights on the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist from Saints Teresa of Ávila, Faustina Kowalska, and John Chrysostom. Profound yet accessible, Eucharistic Amazement speaks to your mind, will, and heart to help you live a more vibrant Eucharistic life. To check out more books on the Catholic faith and religious items of interest at the Pauline Books and Media Center at 1025 King Street in Alexandria, please click here.    

Deacon Alex Solsma, a transitional deacon, shares a short reflection on Divine Mercy during Divine Mercy Sunday. It was recorded in the Basilica on April 27, 2025. 

Deacon Aaron Zanca, a transitional deacon, shares a homily, his first, during the Second Sunday of Easter. It was recorded in the Basilica on April 27, 2025. 

Deacon Alex Solsma, a transitional deacon, shares a homily, his first, during the Second Sunday of Easter. It was recorded in the Basilica on April 27, 2025. 

Father Joseph Townsend, a parochial vicar, shares a homily during the Second Sunday of Easter. It was given in the Basilica on April 27, 2025. 

After the 12:10 p.m. Mass on April 25, 2025, Father Edward Hathaway, the Rector of the Basilica, led a recitation of the Glorious Mysteries of the Holy Rosary, with musical meditations, for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis.