Basilica of Saint Mary Podcast

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 20, 2025. 

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 April 13, 2025. 

Deacon David Tines, a transitional deacon, shares a homily during the Fifth Sunday of Lent. It was given in the Basilica on April 6th, 2025.  

Father James Searby, a parochial vicar, offers a reflection on the  Fourth Joyful Mystery of the Rosary for our Communal First Saturday for April. It was recorded on April 5, 2025.

In this episode, the monthly series called “What Are the Sisters Reading” continues. For the month of April, Sister Nancy Usselmann, FSP, shares about a book she wrote called "Media Fasting: Six Weeks to Re-Charge in Christ." Sister Emily Beata Marsh, FSP, was also present during the episode to ask Sister Nancy questions.  Here are some things to consider: Do you ever feel sluggish, overwhelmed, or anxious after spending too much time in front of a screen? Does the constant pressure of staying digitally connected with people, ideas, and the latest trends leave you feeling disconnected—from yourself, from others, and from God?  Recharge your spiritual life, relationships, and sense of well-being with this wise and practical guide to living your faith in a media-saturated world from Sister Nancy, the National Director of Pauline Media Studies. 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 Christopher Goodwin, an assisting priest, shares a homily during the Second Sunday of Lent. It was given in the Basilica on March 16, 2025.  

Aimee Redmann is a Basilica parishioner who is from Louisiana, where the Saint Joseph Altar is part of the Catholic culture there, especially in the New Orleans area. She shares about her devotion to Saint Joseph and talks about the history of the altar, which will be on display on Wednesday evening, March 19, in our Lyceum Auditorium.  As part of the Feast of Saint Joseph, Father James Searby, a parochial vicar, will offer a reflection on Saint Joseph at 7 p.m. on March 19 in the church. Afterward, at 7:30 p.m., all are invited to our auditorium, where the Saint Joseph Altar will be set up. There will be a blessing and then a social, as food and drinks will be served.  To learn more, click here: https://stmaryoldtown.org/josephaltar2025 To sign up to bring food donations, go here: https://bit.ly/3WVtRwH To volunteer to help. go here: https://bit.ly/3Qh4u4K

Father James Searby, a parochial vicar , shares a homily during the Fourth Sunday of Lent. It was given in the Basilica on March 30, 2025. 

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 23, 2025. 

Father Jack Riley, the spiritual director of the diocesan retreat center, who will be leading our Lenten Parish Mission from March 10-13, shares a homily during the First Sunday of Lent. It was given in the Basilica on March 9, 2025.  To learn more about the parish mission, click here: https://stmaryoldtown.org/2025lentenmission

During a Theology on Tap talk on March 3, 2025, at Murphy's Grand Irish Pub in Alexandria, Virginia, Virginia Nyce, the Basilica's archival manager, shared about the history of Catholicism in Virginia. To learn more about the Basilica's history and its museum, click here.  

Edward Hathaway, the Rector of the Basilica, shares a homily during the Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time. It was given in the Basilica on March 2, 2025. 

Father James Searby, a parochial vicar, offers a reflection on the Third Joyful Mystery of the Rosary, the Nativity, for our Communal First Saturday for March. It was recorded on March 1, 2025. 

Dr. James Bergida, a professor of political science and economics at Christendom College, previews the subject of his upcoming four-week Lenten series in our Lyceum Auditorium – an introduction to Catholic Social Teaching. The series will share about the Catholic Church's "best-kept secret”: its social doctrine. Here are the dates of his talk: + March 18: Social Creatures: Timeless Principles for an Everchanging World + March 25: Family: The Basic Unit of Society + April 1: Government: An Institution for the Common Good + April 8: Living with Things: Material Goods, Work, and the Economy For more information, click here.

In this episode, the monthly series called “What Are the Sisters Reading” continues. For the month of March, Sister Julia Darrenkamp, FSP, shares about a book called "The Holiness of Ordinary People" by Madeleine Delbrêl.  The book gathers together essays and notes written by Delbrêl, who was a French poet, social worker and lay missionary and has been declared Venerable by the Catholic Church, during her most active years, giving peerless insights into the distinctive lay vocation in the Church. All men and women—married and unmarried—must follow the Holy Spirit into all that is true in this world, from the small talk around the coffeepot to the great silence of the Holy Eucharist. 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 Peter Clem, a parochial vicar, shares a homily during the Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. It was given in the Basilica on February 23, 2025. 

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 16, 2025. 

Father Joseph Townsend, a parochial vicar, shares a homily during the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. It was given in the Basilica on February 9, 2025. 

During a Theology on Tap talk on Feb. 3, 2025, at Murphy's Grand Irish Pub in Alexandria, Virginia, Michael Staron and his wife, Mariane, who is the director of the Basilica's Youth and Young Adult Apostolates, share their journey of navigating broken engagements and finding each other through faith, healing, and intentional discernment.  Their talk explored the challenges of modern dating, the importance of building relationships rooted in mutual respect and authentic love, and how trusting God's timing leads to a deeper understanding of vocation and commitment. This podcast is perfect for anyone seeking guidance in relationships or discerning their path to marriage. To find out more about them, click here. 

The monthly series called “What Are the Sisters Reading?” continues with this month's guest: Sister Orianne Pietra Rene Dyck, FSP, who reflects about her book called "Dive Deep -- 40 Days with God at Sea."  The book introduces children, ages 9-12, to the epic story of salvation history -- from Creation, to Christ, to today -- through Bible stories that take place at sea and helps them experience the Word of God in a whole new way. It also teaches children how to pray with God's word and encounter God in His creation through 40 days of Scripture reflections; fun sea facts and trivia; profiles of saints; prayer and journaling prompts; and practical ways to live the faith in daily 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 Noah Morey, a priest-in-residence at the Basilica, shares a homily during the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. It was given in the Basilica on February 2, 2025.

Father Edward Hathaway, the Rector of the Basilica, offers a reflection on the Second Joyful Mystery of the Rosary, the Visitation, for our Communal First Saturday for February. It was recorded on February 1, 2025. 

Father James Searby, a parochial vicar, shares a homily during the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. It was given in the Basilica on January 26, 2025. 

Father Noah Morey, a priest-in-residence at the Basilica, shares a homily during the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time. It was given in the Basilica on January 19, 2025. 

Father Edward Hathaway, the Rector of the Basilica, shares a homily during the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. It was given in the Basilica on January 12, 2025. 

The monthly series called “What Are the Sisters Reading?” continues with two guests from the Daughters of Saint Paul: Sister Emily Beata Marsh and Sister Kathryn Hermes, who share from Pope Francis' latest encyclical called “He Loved Us,” on the Sacred Heart of Jesus.  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 Fourth Sunday of Advent. It was given in the Basilica on December 22, 2024. 

Father Edward Hathaway, the Rector, shares a homily during the Third Sunday of Advent. It was given in the Basilica on December 15, 2024. 

Father Edward Hathaway, the Rector, shares a homily during the Second Sunday of Advent. It was given in the Basilica on December 8, 2024. 

Father Peter Clem, a parochial vicar, shares a homily during the First Sunday of Advent. It was given in the Basilica on December 1, 2024. 

My guest for the month of December in the monthly series called "What Are the Sisters Reading?" is from the Daughters of Saint Paul. Sister Emily Beata Marsh, FSP, shares from an encyclical by Pope Benedict XVI called Spe Salvi (“Saved in Hope”). I also reflect about a book Called “Life of Christ” by Archbishop Fulton Sheen.    Here are the book recommendations by other sisters from the Daughters of Saint Paul:  Sister Julia: "The Reed of God" by Caryll Houselander  Sister Bethany: "Come, Lord Jesus: Meditations on the Art of Waiting" by Mother Mary 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.

Father Edward Hathaway, the rector of the Basilica, shares a homily during the Feast of Christ the King. It was given in the Basilica on November 24, 2024

Father Andrew Fisher, the pastor at Saint Ambrose Parish in Annadale, Virginia, shares about the 16th-century Spanish Jesuit Martyrs of Virginia, an amazing story of faith, courage and sacrifice. Father Fisher is a member of the Historical Commission for the Martyrs of La Florida, which includes the Jesuit Martyrs of Virginia. The talk occurred on Nov. 19, 2024, in our Lyceum Auditorium. 

Father Joseph Townsend, a parochial vicar, shares a homily during the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time. It was given in the Basilica on November 17, 2024.

Father Edward Hathaway, the rector of the Basilica, shares a homily during the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time. It was given in the Basilica on November 10, 2024

Marie Miller, a Catholic musical artist, previews her upcoming special evening in the Basilica church called “The Way of Love: An Advent Evening of Recollection for Women.” She talks about how this presentation was inspired by Saint Therese of Lisieux, also known as the Little Flower, and is themed on the life and teachings of Therese.  The evening will also include songs about the Eucharist and Our Lady; Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament; the opportunity for confession; an inspirational reflection on Saint Therese by Father James Searby, a parochial vicar; and Little Flower-themed Adoration music by Marie. All women are invited to attend this event on Thursday, December 5, from 7 – 8:30 p.m. in the Basilica church, 310 S. Royal St.  To learn more about Marie, please click here.

Father James Searby, a parochial vicar, shares a homily during the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time. It was given in the Basilica on November 3, 2024

Father James Searby, a parochial vicar, offers a reflection on the Fourth Glorious Mystery of the Rosary, the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, for our Communal First Saturday for November. It was recorded on November 2, 2024. 

The guest for the month of November for the monthly series "What Are the Sisters Reading?" is from the Daughters of Saint Paul.  Sister Allison Regina Gliot, FSP, shares about a book called “Forgiven: A Guide to Confession and the Examen Prayer.” She and Sister Orianne Pietra Rene Dyck, FSP, are the co-authors.   Discover (or rediscover!) the Sacrament of Confession as a healing and life-giving encounter with Jesus through this pocket-sized, practical guide. It includes a guide to help you prepare for Confession, practical tips for going to Confession, a step-by-step breakdown of what happens during the sacrament, popular questions and answers, and an introduction to the examen prayer to help you grow in virtue and recognize God at work in your 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 Edward Hathaway, the rector of the Basilica, shares a homily during the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time. It was given in the Basilica on October 27, 2024

Father Andrew Fisher, the pastor at Saint Ambrose Parish in Annadale, Virginia, previews his upcoming talk on the 16th-century Spanish Jesuit Martyrs of Virginia, an amazing story of faith, courage and sacrifice. Father Fisher is a member of the Historical Commission for the Martyrs of La Florida, which includes the Jesuit Martyrs of Virginia. The talk will occur on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, in our Lyceum Auditorium, 313 Duke Street, at 7 p.m. All are invited.     

Father Noah Morey, a priest-in-residence at the Basilica and the chaplain at Bishop Ireton High School, shares a homily during the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time. It was given in the Basilica on October 20, 2024.

Father Peter Clem, a Parochial Vicar, shares a homily during the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time. It was given in the Basilica on October 13, 2024. 

Fr. Jerome Magat, SThD -- a priest of the Diocese of Arlington, Virginia, currently serving as vice-rector, program director for the Master of Divinity program and professor of moral theology at St. Patrick Seminary and University in Menlo Park, CA -- shares a talk on his latest book, which is called “Honoring the Covenant: Daily Mass Gospel Meditations for Busy Married Couples." It was recorded on October 10, 2024, in our Lyceum Auditorium You can purchase a copy of his book by clicking here. 

Sister Deirdre Byrne, POSC, of the Little Workers of the Sacred Heart, shares a Theology on Tap talk called  "The Love of the Most Blessed Sacrament.” It was recorded in Murphy's Grand Irish Pub in Alexandria, Va, on Oct. 7th, 2024 

Father Edward Hathaway, the rector of the Basilica, shares a homily during the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time. It was given in the Basilica on October 6, 2024. 

Father Peter Clem, a parochial vicar, offers a reflection on the Third Glorious Mystery of the Rosary, the Descent of the Holy Spirit, for our Communal First Saturday for October. It was recorded on October 5, 2024. 

Sister Donata Farbaniec, of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy, shares Jesus' powerful message of Divine Mercy as given to Saint Faustina Kowalska. It was recorded in our Lyceum Auditorium on Oct. 1, 2024. 

The guest for the month of October for the monthly series "What Are the Sisters Reading?" is from the Daughters of Saint Paul. Sister Kathryn Hermes, FSP, shares about a book called “I Believe in Love: A Personal Retreat Based on the Teaching of St. Therese of Lisieux."    The author, Father Jean D'elbee, echoes the doctrine of Saint Therese of Lisieux, whose feast day is on October 1st, in reminding readers how much God loves us and that we need to have complete trust and confidence in His Love and mercy.     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 at the Basilica, shares a homily during the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time. It was given in the Basilica on September 29, 2024. Following his sermon, as part of Commitment Weekend, Father Edward Hathaway, the Rector of the Basilica, inspires parishioners to donate to fund the mission and programs of the parish during the 2024 Sunday Offertory Program, "Serving with the Heart of Christ." Click here to learn more and to donate: https://stmaryoldtown.org/2024offertory

Deacon David Tines, a transitional deacon, shares a homily during the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time. It was recorded on September 22, 2024.