Basilica of Saint Mary Podcast

Father Edward Hathaway, the Rector at the Basilica, shares a homily during The Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time. It was given in the Basilica on September 13, 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 reflects on the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, which the Church celebrates on September 15th.  He also reminds parishioners that the Basilica will be holding another voter registration drive this weekend after all the Masses. And he shares that there are two amendments on the November ballot that threaten the right to life and the truth of marriage, which has prompted Bishop Burbidge to write a letter, which will read at all the Masses this week, encouraging Catholics to vote "no" to prevent the amendments from becoming part of Virginia's Constitution. Click here to learn more. 

Father Jason Burchell, a Parochial Vicar at the Basilica, shares a homily during The Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. It was given in the Basilica on September 6, 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 reflects on the importance of promoting the common good by voting "no" on two amendments on November's ballot in Virginia -- one of which threatens the human right to life and the other the truth of marriage.  He also invites all parishioners to celebrate the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary with us in the Basilica on Tuesday, Sept. 8, at 7 p.m. We will pray a Choral Roary -- a selection of Marian hymns and choral works during the recitation of the Joyful Mysteries. There will be a celebratory reception afterward hosted by the Legion of Mary.  To learn more about the Catholics Vote No campaign, click here. That link includes Bishop Burbidge's short video Fr. Hathaway mentions in the episode. Click here to listen to a podcast feauting Bishop Burbidge that Fr. Hathaway also alludes to.   a

Father Edward Hathaway, the Rector at the Basilica, shares a homily during The Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time. It was given in the Basilica on August 30, 2026.   

The monthly series called "What Are the Sisters Reading?" continues with Sister Catherine Lucia Phoebe, FSP, reflecting about two books -- one she translated ("The Collected Works of Saint Rafael Arnaiz") -- and the other -- "Brother Rafael and the Rainy-Day Devils" -- is a children's book she wrote. Each one is focused on Saint Rafael Arnaiz, a Spanish saint, whose short life of holiness illustrate to us the joys and struggles of striving to live for God alone.  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 wecomes school families back to school and shares two inspirational quotes.  He also invites all school families whose children participate in CYO sports to be a part of "CYO Kick-Off Day." During the 8:30 a.m. Mass this Saturday, Aug. 29th, our CYO athletes and coaches will receive a special blessing from Father Hathaway as they prepare to compete, serve, and grow together during the upcoming CYO sports year. After the Mass, there will be a celebration at the Basilica School of Saint Mary, where you can meet other CYO families, connect with our program community, and enjoy a fun morning together as we kick off the year. Click here to find out more and to RSVP to attend the event at the school. 

Father John Meyerhofer, a Parochial Vicar at the Basilica, shares a homily during The Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time. It was given in the Basilica on August 23, 2026.

Missionary priest Fr. Michael Boathene shares a homily during The Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time. It was given in the Basilica on August 16, 2026. Our parish mission organization is the Archdiocese of Kumasi in Ghana (West Africa), which is involved in the work of evangelization through projects aimed at improving the health and well-being of their people. Their projects include the building and upgrading of rural health clinics, the care for street children and providing accessible, clean drinking water by building new wells and boreholes, especially on school grounds and rural communities.    

Father James Searby, a Parochial Vicar at the Basilica, shares a homily during The Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. It was given in the Basilica on August 9, 2026.  

The monthly series called "What Are the Sisters Reading?" continues with Sister Emily Beata Marsh, FSP, who shares about a book called "Saint Bernard's Three Course Banquet: Humility, Charity, and Contemplation in the De Gradibus"  by Father Bernard Bonowitz as he reflects on Saint Bernard of Clairvaux's short classic, "The Steps of Humility and Pride" (De gradibus humilitatis et superbiæ). 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 at the Basilica, shares a homily during The Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. It was given in the Basilica on July 26, 2026. 

Father Christopher Tipton, a priest-in-residence at the parish, shares a homily during the Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. It was given in the Basilica on July 19, 2026. 

Father Edward Hathaway, the Rector at the Basilica, shares a homily during The Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. It was given in the Basilica on July 12, 2026. 

Father Jason Burchell, a Parochial Vicar at the Basilica, shares a homily during The Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. It was given in the Basilica on July 5, 2026  

This episode's guest is Amy McInerny, the director of the Respect Life Office of Marriage, Family and Respect Life for the Diocese of Arlington. She shares about the "Catholics Vote No" advocacy campaign that urges voters to reject two proposed Constitutional amendments that threaten the human right to life and the truth of marriage on Virginia's fall ballot. Click here to pledge to vote "no" and to find out more. 

Part 2 of our Saints Peter and Paul Conference features "Catholic Wisdom for an AI Age: A Discussion of Pope Leo XIV's Magnifica Humanitas Encyclical." Recorded in our Lyceum Auditorium on June 27th, 2026, the panel discussion included the moderator, Catherine Hadro, the host of EWTN News in Depth; Lucia Silecchia, a professor of law at the Columbus School of Law at The Catholic University of America; and Eric J. Jenislawski, an associate professor of theology at Christendom College.

Part 1 of our Saints Peter and Paul Conference features "Catholic Wisdom for an AI Age: A Discussion of Pope Leo XIV's Magnifica Humanitas Encyclical." Recorded in our Lyceum Auditorium on June 27th, 2026, the panel discussion included the moderator, Catherine Hadro, the host of EWTN News in Depth; Lucia Silecchia, a professor of law at the Columbus School of Law at The Catholic University of America; and Eric J. Jenislawski, an associate professor of theology at Christendom College.

The monthly series called "What Are the Sisters Reading?" continues with Sister Catherine Lucia Phoebe, FSP, who shares about two books: "God for All Days," by Christian de Chergé, which is about a prior of the Trappist community of Our Lady of Atlas in Algeria who was assassinated with six of his fellow monks in 1996. Drawn from the last two years of his life, it offers deep insights into the monastic search for God in community during tumultuous times.   The second book – "Born from the Gaze of God" by Christophe Lebreto – is about the youngest of seven Trappist monks assassinated in Algeria by terrorists in 1996. In the journal that he wrote, he shares moving examples of the light and darkness inherent in the human condition. 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 at the Basilica, shares a homily during The Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. It was given in the Basilica on June 28, 2026.   

Father Peter Clem, a Parochial Vicar at the Basilica, shares a homily during The Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time. It was given in the Basilica on June 21, 2026. 

Father Edward Hathaway, the Rector at the Basilica, shares a homily during The Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. It was given in the Basilica on June 14, 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 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.