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 a reflection on how summer vocation can be a time of rest but also a time for growing in faith as a family.  He also invites parishioners to bid farewell to Fr. Peter Clem, who was recently assigned to be a parochial vicar at Our Lady of Hope Parish in Potomac Falls, Virginia. He will start there on June 25 2026. Fr. Peter will be presiding at the noon Mass on June 14, 2026, with his farewell reception to follow in our Lyceum Auditorium, 313 Duke Street. To learn more -- including listening to a podcast in which Fr. Peter shares a farewell message to the Basilica community, including breaking down a prayer he wrote that honors the memories and moments he's spent here -- please click here. 

Father Peter Clem recently was assigned to be a parochial vicar at Our Lady of Hope Parish in Potomac Falls, Virginia. He will start there on June 25 2026. In this podcast, he shares a farewell message to the Basilica community, including breaking down a prayer he wrote that honors the memories and moments he's spent here since he was ordained in 2022. He will be presiding at the noon Mass on June 14, 2026, with his farewell reception to follow in our Lyceum Auditorium, 313 Duke Street. To see the prayer card, click here. 

Father James Searby, a Parochial Vicar, offers a reflection on the Third Glorious Mystery of the Rosary, The Descent of the Holy Spirit (Pentecost), for our Communal First Saturday for June. It was recorded on June 6, 2026  

Father James Searby, a Parochial Vicar at the Basilica, shares a homily during The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi). It was given in the Basilica on June 7, 2026.   

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 all of the news about several events coming up this weekend centered on the Eucharist, including a Corpus Christi procession on Sunday evening, and the news about the ordinations to the priesthood of two of our parishioners on Saturday  He also invites all to pray for vocations during a Holy Hour that will also include praise-and-worship music in the Basilica tomorrow evening, June 5, starting at 7 p.m. We will be joined by the National Eucharistic Pilgrims as they stop here during their cross-country pilgrimage with the Blessed Sacrament. Click here for more information.  Click here to learn more about the Corpus Christi procession, which also includes a reception in the Basilica gym on June 7 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. after the procession, and the First Masses of Thanksgiving by our newly ordained priests.    

Father Edward Hathaway, the Rector at the Basilica, shares a homily during The Most Holy Trinity Sunday. It was given in the Basilica on May 31, 2026. 

The monthly series called "What Are the Sisters Reading?" continues with Sister Catherine Lucia Phoebe, FSP, who shares about a book called "Francesco: A Story of St. Francis of Assisi," by Madeline Pecora Nugent, CFP. In it, the author masterfully weaves together years of research into a compelling biography that reads like a novel. She grounds her work in primary and modern sources, time spent in Assisi, and interviews with Franciscan experts to paint a vivid picture of the world of Saint Francis through the eyes of those who knew him best — and through the words of Francis himself. 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.

Our 2026 summer seminarian, Jonathon Davies, will be helping out at the Basilica from June 8-August 9, 2026, including working with the youth, working in our parish office and helping out at the Masses. Click here to learn more about him.   

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 Pope Leo XIV's recent encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas ("Magnificent Humanity"), on Artificial Intelligence. Click here to read/download it.  He also shares that the the parish will pray a Novena to the Sacred Heart after all the Masses on June 3-11 in union with the U.S. Bishops' consecration of the nation to Jesus' Most Sacred Heart on June 11.  Click here to learn more. He also invites all to pray for vocations during a Holy Hour that will also include praise-and-worship music in the Basilica on Friday, June 5, starting at 7 p.m. We will be joined by the National Eucharistic Pilgrims as they stop here during their cross-country pilgrimage with the Blessed Sacrament. Click here for more information.   

Father John Meyerhofer, a Parochial Vicar at the Basilica, shares a homily during Pentecost Sunday. It was given in the Basilica on May 24, 2026. 

This episode feature Isaiah and Darien Contu, leaders of the parish's Date Night at the Basilica, who talk about how the apostolate helps engaged and married couples reconnect, build practical skills for their relationship, and go out on a date together. The next Date Night occurs on June 12, 2026. 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 reflects on what a blessing the descent of the Holy Spirit was on Pentecost Sunday and how the Holy Spirit can guide families with wisdom, courage, and hope today. Here is the prayer to the Holy Spirit that he recites at the beginning of the episode:  In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. "O Holy Spirit, Soul of my soul, I worship and adore You. Enlighten, guide, strengthen and console me. Tell me what I must to do and command me to do it. I promise to be submissive to all that You permit to happen to me, but only let me know Your will." Amen. He also invites all to sign up to participate in the 2nd annual Run with Haste 5K walk/run through Old Town on the morning of May 30th. Click here to register and find out more. He also shares information about two Masses that are being held on Memorial Day. Click here to find out more. 

Father Peter Clem, a Parochial Vicar at the Basilica, shares a homily during the Seventh Sunday of Easter. It was given in the Basilica on May 17, 2026.   

 In today's episode, Dr. Nicholas McAfee gave a talk called Thomas More: Augustinian statesman. It was recorded in our Lyceum auditorium on May 12, 2026.

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 the importance of the Feast of the Ascension, which the Church celebrates on Sunday, May 17.  He also invites all parishioners to attend a special Feast of the Ascension Concert tonight May 14th, in the Basilica at 7 p.m. Click here to reserve your seats and to find out more. He also mentions the recent clergy changes. More information about that can be found here. Also, his 35th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood is on Monday, May 18. Click here for more information on that. 

Father Edward Hathaway, the Rector at the Basilica, shares a homily during the Sixth Sunday of Easter. It was given in the Basilica on May 10, 2026. 

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 how to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary and how to grow in relationship with her during the month of May, which is dedicated to Our Lady. He also invites all parishioners to attend a special Feast of the Ascension Concert on Thursday, May 14th, in the Basilica at 7 p.m. Click here to reserve your seats and to find out more. Also, don't forget to honor your mother, grandmother, or godmother through our Mother's Day Novena of Masses by clicking here. 

Today's monthly series called "What Are the Sisters Reading?" continues with Sister Kathryn Hermes, FSP, sharing about the book called "Litanies of the Heart," by Gerry Ken Crete. In this book Dr. Crete offers you his knowledge, insights, and experience in the hopes that you will experience not only relief from anxiety but inner harmony, greater life fulfillment, and a deeper more intimate relationship with God. 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 James Searby, a Parochial Vicar, shares a homily during the Fifth Sunday of Easter. It was given in the Basilica on May 3, 2026.   

Deacon Sam Martinez, shares a homily during the Fourth Sunday of Easter. It was given in the Basilica on April 26, 2026.  

Father Christopher Goodwin, a visiting priest, shares a homily during the Third Sunday of Easter. It was given in the Basilica on April 19, 2026.

Dr. Nicolas McAfee, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science and Economics at Christendom College previews the May 12th 2026, conversation he will have at 7 p.m. in our Lyceum Auditorium (313 Duke St.) with Dr. Shaun Rieley, the Director of Educational Programs & Teaching Fellow at Hillsdale College's Washington, D.C., campus. Their topic is titled "Thomas More: Augustinian Statesman." Click here for more information. 

Transitional Deacon Samuel Martinez has been helping out at the Basilica since last September 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 Fort Wayne-South Bend, Indiana, where he will be ordained on June 6, 2026. His last weekend helping out at the parish will be April 25-26, 2026. In this interview, he reflects on his time at the Basilica. 

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 outlines the Easter Season and shares why it's important to live out the graces that follow Christ's resurrection in our homes and in our lives. He also invites parishioners to attend the Virginia March for Life with him in Richmond on Wednesday, April 22. Click here to reserve your seat(s) on the bus. 

Father Edward Hathaway, the Rector of the Basilica, shares a homily during Divine Mercy Sunday. It was given in the Basilica on April 12, 2026.

Father Edward Hathaway, the Rector of the Basilica, shares a homily during Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord. It was given in the Basilica on April 5, 2026.

Today's monthly series called "What Are the Sisters Reading?" continues with Sister Kathryn Hermes, FSP, sharing about her book called "Healing After Betrayal," which helps people find refuge in God's Word in the painful aftermath of a betrayal by someone you trusted. 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 Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord. It was given in the Basilica on March 29, 2026.

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 reminds us that Holy Week starts on Palm Sunday this weekend and shares an overview of what occurs over the course of Holy Week. He also introduces a recording that features Fr. James Searby and Fr. Ken Geraci, a Fathers of Mercy priest who recently led our parish mission, and their conversation, which offers practical advice for how married couples can pray for each other and their children. To listen to their entire conversation, click here. Click here to check out our Holy Week schedule. 

Father Edward Hathaway, the Rector of the Basilica, shares a homily during the Fifth Sunday of Lent. It was given in the Basilica on March 22, 2026.

In this episode, our special guests are Fr. James Searby, a parochial vicar at the Basilia, and Father Ken Geraci, a Fathers of Mercy priest, who recently led our parish mission. The topics they talked about ranged from practical marriage and family healing and prayer practices to the power of forgiveness to heal deep wounds. Please share this episode with friends and family members. 

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, during the Feast of Saint Joseph, Father Hathaway reflects revolves around Saint Joseph's example of humble fatherhood, which serves as inspiration for all fathers in leading their families toward faith and transformation during Lent. He also invites all to celebrate today's feast day during tonight's Saint Joseph Altar event at 7 p.m., starting with Vespers and a short reflection in the Basilica, and then continuing with a grand feast in our Lyceum Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Click here for more information. 

Father Ken Geraci shares a homily during the Fourth Sunday of Lent. It was given in the Basilica on March 15, 2026.

Father Edward Hathaway, the Rector of the Basilica, shares a homily during the Third Sunday of Lent. It was given in the Basilica on March 8, 2026.

Steve Weidenkopf, an Adjunct Professor at the Christendom College Graduate School of Theology, shares part four of his five-part series chronicling Church history. It was recorded in our Lyceum Auditorium on March 10, 2026.  This series presents a narrative summary of the major persons and events of Church history from Pentecost to the modern day. The story of the Catholic Church is presented in all its glory, success, and failure, along with fascinating vignettes about the men and women, saints, sinners, heroes, and villains who most shaped Catholic history over the last 2,000 years.

Steve Weidenkopf, an Adjunct Professor at the Christendom College Graduate School of Theology, shares part four of his five-part series chronicling Church history. It was recorded in our Lyceum Auditorium on March 3, 2026.  This series presents a narrative summary of the major persons and events of Church history from Pentecost to the modern day. The story of the Catholic Church is presented in all its glory, success, and failure, along with fascinating vignettes about the men and women, saints, sinners, heroes, and villains who most shaped Catholic history over the last 2,000 years.

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, Father James Searby, a parochial vicar, substitutes for Father Hathaway, who is away on a retreat, and shares about the virtue of the month at the school: peserverance (fortitude). Father Searby also invites all parishioners to attend our upcoming poarish mission, which will occur on March 15-18. For more information, please click here. He also invites all to celebrate the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, during our Saint Joseph Altar event, which takes place on March 19h. Click here for more information. 

Father Peter Clem shares a homily during the Second Sunday of Lent. It was given in the Basilica on March 1, 2026.   

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, Father Hathaway ties in this Sunday's Gospel reading, which features the Samaritan woman at the well, to the upcoming parish mission. For more information about the parish mission, which will occur on March 15-18, please click here. 

Steve Weidenkopf, an Adjunct Professor at the Christendom College Graduate School of Theology, shares part three of his five-part series chronicling Church history. It was recorded in our Lyceum Auditorium on Feb. 24, 2026.  This series presents a narrative summary of the major persons and events of Church history from Pentecost to the modern day. The story of the Catholic Church is presented in all its glory, success, and failure, along with fascinating vignettes about the men and women, saints, sinners, heroes, and villains who most shaped Catholic history over the last 2,000 years. Click here for more information. 

This month's guest for the podcast series called "What Are the Sisters Reading?" is from the Daughters of Saint Paul. Sister Kathryn Hermes, FSP, shares about a book called "Do Not Judge Anyone:" Desert Wisdom for a Polarized World," by Cistercian Monk Father Isaac Slater, who reflects on the desert fathers' teachings and practice of not judging with a focus on contemporary 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.

Father James Searby, a Parochial Vicar, shares a homily during the First Sunday of Lent. It was given in the Basilica on February 22, 2026. 

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, Father Hathaway reflects on the transfiguration of Jesus and the importance of listening to God, which can only occur if we carve silence into our lives to make time for prayer and spiritual reading during Lent.    He also invites parishioners to attend Family Bingo Night at the Basilica School Gym this Saturday, Feb. 28, from 6:30-9 p.m. Click here for more information. He also invites people to attend an enthronement of a relic of St. Manuel González García – described as the greatest Eucharistic priest since St. John Vianney – which will occur after the 12:10 p.m. Mass on Tuesday, March 3rd. A reflection on the saint's life and devotion to the Eucharist, with veneration of his relics, will follow. Click here for more information. 

Steve Weidenkopf, an Adjunct Professor at the Christendom College Graduate School of Theology, shares part two of his five-part series chronicling Church history. It was recorded in our Lyceum Auditorium on Feb. 10, 2026.  This series presents a narrative summary of the major persons and events of Church history from Pentecost to the modern day. The story of the Catholic Church is presented in all its glory, success, and failure, along with fascinating vignettes about the men and women, saints, sinners, heroes, and villains who most shaped Catholic history over the last 2,000 years. Click here for more information. 

Father Edward Hathaway, the rector of the Basilica, shares a homily during the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time. It was given in the Basilica on February 15, 2026. 

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, Father Hathaway reflects on how Lent becomes transformative when our sacrifices become acts of love for God rather than strategies for self-improvement.   He also invites parishioners to view a new permanent display on Catholic education at the Basilica School on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, from 9:45-11:30 a.m. Click here for more information.    Also, the Saint Patrick Irish Hooley, which will occur on Sunday, March 1, 2026, from 3-6 p.m. in the Basilica School Gym, still has tickets available. This is a festive and fun family event, where everyone can enjoy great Irish food, music, drinks, and dancing. Click here to find out more and to get your tickets today before it's sold out.    Reminder: Don't forget to have fun attending Family Bingo Night at the Basilica School Gym on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, from 6:30-9 p.m. Click here for more information.     

Fr. Ken Geraci, CPM, of the Fathers of Mercy, previews the Lenten Parish Mission he will be leading at the Basilica on March 15-18, 2026. The title of the mission is called "Why Be Catholic?" Click here to learn more about the mission and Fr. Ken. 

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, Father Hathaway reflects on how Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, is a time for our hearts to undergo an interior transformation, one that leads us closer to Christ.   Our Ash Wednesday Mass times are as follows: 6:30 a.m.; 8 a.m.; 12:10 p.m.; 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. (featuring the choir).  All are also invited to join Hallow, the prayer app, to participate in their Lent Pray40 Prayer Challenge during Lent. Click here for more information.

Steve Weidenkopf, an Adjunct Professor at the Christendom College Graduate School of Theology, shares part one of his five-part series chronicling Church history. It was recorded in our Lyceum Auditorium on Feb. 3, 2026.  This series presents a narrative summary of the major persons and events of Church history from Pentecost to the modern day. The story of the Catholic Church is presented in all its glory, success, and failure, along with fascinating vignettes about the men and women, saints, sinners, heroes, and villains who most shaped Catholic history over the last 2,000 years. Click here for more information. 

Father Edward Hathaway, the rector of the Basilica, shares a homily during the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. It was given in the Basilica on February 8, 2026. In the homily, he also focuses donating to the Bishop's Lenten Appeal, as part of this weekend's in-pew/commitment weekend. Please click here to find out more and to donate. 

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, he reflects on how Jesus teaches that a life rooted in holiness brings, flavor, meaning and light to a darkened world.