Basilica of Saint Mary Podcast

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.

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 centers on the recent death of Pope Francis and the upcoming ordinations to the transitional diaconate of two Basilica parishioners and seminarians, Alex Solsma and Aaron Zanca. This episode was recorded on April 24th, 2025. Join us to pray a Choral Rosary for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis after the 12:10 p.m. Mass on Friday, April 25, 2025. Click here for more information: https://stmaryoldtown.org/popefrancis Join us to celebrate Alex Solsma and Aaron Zanca becoming Transitional Deacons, as Alex will preach at the 11:30 a.m. Mass on Sunday, April 27, 2025, and Aaron will preach at the 1 p.m. Mass on that Sunday. Receptions for each will follow each of those Masses in our Lyceum Auditorium. Click here for more information: https://stmaryoldtown.org/alexaaron Join us also on Divine Mercy Sunday for a Holy Hour at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 27, as Alex will preach a short reflection. The Divine Mercy Chaplet will be recited. Aaron will also be assisting. Click here for more information: https://stmaryoldtown.org/divinemercysunday2025

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.