The Patrick Madrid Show

Patrick unpacks listener questions about why bishops can’t marry, offers candid advice on dealing with awkward moral conversations at family events, and doesn’t shy away from what he thinks about clapping or disruptions in church. He clarifies the real story behind Adam and Eve’s children, addresses concerns about hypnotism and teens with cell phones, and draws sharp lines on what should, and shouldn’t, be open to discussion in modern classrooms. Stories, tough calls, and unexpected perspectives roll in rapid succession. Eva (email) - Can you talk today about the first reading from Timothy and the bishop being married? I mean, I know Deacons can be married currently, but the bishop? (01:03) Steve - How did the world get populated by Adam and Eve? Did Cain have children with his siblings? (12:05) All of the Charlie Kirk related audio we’ve played on the show has been posted in one spot on Facebook and X (21:02) Ellie (email) - Several members of the congregation responded vocally to what the priest was saying in his homily. For instance, when the priest asked a rhetorical question, some of the congregants would loudly answer the question. Not only that, but some of the parishioners waved their hands in the air. (25:37) Ruben (email) – Is the Vatican having a LGBQT event? Michael (email) - Do you really believe that today, in the 21st century, a man with a hunting rifle, assault rifle or any kind of firearm could stand a chance against the might of the United States military? (30:03) Heberto (email) - Is hypnotism a sin? (33:23) John (email) – I don’t understand how X (twitter) works (38:45) Audio: Teacher training model for school district in Naperville references topics that are closed for discussion because they are “settled” by social scientists, and students should not be allowed to discuss any opposing views in the classroom. For example, global warning and systemic racism have already been settled per this clip and are not open to discussion on if it exists but only what to do about it. (41:22) Jacob (14-years-old) - When should I get a smart phone? (47:09)

Patrick explores questions from listeners about the “Flame of Love” devotion, tackles the discernment of Church-approved practices, and offers candid, faithful advice on friendships, family, and Catholic life. Between fielding calls about parish trends, guiding parents on teen dances, and responding to big questions with both humor and seriousness, Patrick manages a lively, unpredictable show where faith and reality intersect. Even birthday wishes and mariachi jokes make an appearance, keeping the conversation moving fast and full of surprises. Annemarie - The Flame of Love Devotion at my parish changes the Hail Mary. They pray this at my Church. Is this wrong? (00:37) Fay - I went to a retreat that didn’t seem Catholic. They were doing praise and worship. Was this wrong? Do you have any advice? (06:13) Jim - What was the first moral lesson that Jesus taught? (11:17) Grace - What can I do about stopping people from receiving Communion? (12:55) Gracie (email) – Was Charlie really a racist? (21:11) Michael (email) - I can't wait to one day call in, lead off my call with a rehearsed mariachi whistle, and fail epically in front of "just you and millions of people listening." James (email) - Thank you for mentioning that I should pray to my guardian angel to cleanse my memory. It brought me a lot of peace yesterday! (26:31) Annie (email) - I think words can be violent. Such as verbal abuse. We were verbally abused by our father. He regularly called us names when he was unhappy with us or just to make fun of us. So, do you agree that words can sometimes be violent? (30:40) Nicole - Is it ok for my daughter to go to a school dance with a non-Catholic boy? Should she go with a group or by herself? (32:41) Clarisa (email) - I felt very compelled to reach out to you after listening to your show yesterday. It was brought up whether or not it was appropriate to speak about our dear brother, Charlie Kirk at the pulpit. Well, I would have liked to have it done at our Mass over the weekend. (39:59) Patrick comments on the people who celebrated Kirk’s murder on their social media are being fired from their jobs

Patrick unpacks the public reaction to Charlie Kirk’s murder, focusing on the moral backlash against those celebrating the tragedy and the wave of firings and exposure that followed. He fields questions about Kirk’s approach and challenges perceptions, weaving in raw perspectives from callers, many reflecting on race, online culture, forgiveness, and how real-world consequences ripple out from digital outrage. Voices from the black community add truth and tension, sharpening the episode’s call for clarity, dialogue, and deeper humanity in a fractured society. Patrick comments on the people who celebrated Kirk’s murder on their social media are being fired from their jobs (00:25) Audio: Scott Jennings on backlash against anti-CK rhetoric (03:24) Terry (email) - I don’t understand why you so wholeheartedly supported Charlie Kirk. I’ve watched several of his debates, and to me, he comes across as self-righteous, confrontational and condescending, not very Christ-like. (05:47) Miss Williams - I do agree with you about most of the things you say. I'm not a republican or democrat. Charlie Kirk's views are his views. What happened to him is sad because it happened to him in front of his family. I think of the Kennedy assassination. We need to do something about guns. Where was his security? We Americans need to do better. (11:15) Audio: Charlie Kirk Didn't Even Believe In Race (25:29) Anthony - Want to thank Patrick for what he does best. I've been listening for years. Such good values and such an awesome person. (30:30) Don - A lot of people who didn't like Charlie Kirk didn't like him because he liked Trump. (31:53) James (email) - H.G. Wells had a poignant message in his book. When the man Griffin loses his body (becomes invisible) he loses his conscience and becomes a sociopath-murderer. So, with Social Media, when we lose our face-to-face interactions, we are being trained to be sociopathic. The smartphone has magnified these interactions and put them in our pocket, and they are displacing actual human interaction. (36:26) Dee Dee - Concerning the murder of Charlie Kirk: I just wanted to bring the fact that as Catholics, we should be an example of how to behave. (40:20) Heidi - I hope this troubled young man gets life in prison instead of the death penalty. He needs God's mercy. I fear if he's given the death penalty, some will see him as a martyr. (47:44) Mary - When I discussed Charlie Kirk with my sister, she said there are extremists on both sides. (49:29)

Patrick fields thought-provoking questions ranging from whether Jesus ever lost his temper to the challenges of having charitable discussions with relatives from other faith backgrounds. In the same breath, he addresses concerns about Mass being held in a home, unpacks why Catholic and Protestant Bibles have different books, and responds candidly to community reactions on the absence of commentary about Charlie Kirk’s assassination at church. Wisdom and practicality shape Patrick’s responses, blending pastoral warmth with historical context and real-world advice. April - Was Jesus losing his temper when calling the Canaanite woman a dog? (52:00) Valerie - How do I talk to an Uncle who is 7th Day Adventist? How should I handle debating him? (07:57) Sylvia - A family invited us to go to mass at their house. Would it be a sin to go to mass there for a funeral? (19:36) Chad - What are the origins of the Catholic Bible vs the origins of the Protestant Bible? (22:31) Patrick comments on the many people who are angry or upset that they didn’t hear about Charlie Kirk at Church on Sunday (37:04) Rick - What security measures should Catholic Schools have? The principal of the school that my granddaughter goes to says that ultimately God is in control of our security. (45:06)

Patrick challenges listeners with raw questions about faith, public grief, and how Christian teachings intersect with justice and cultural controversies. He fields calls from individuals wrestling with anger, searching for hope, and scrutinizes common misconceptions about Kirk’s beliefs, using direct audio and candid reflection. John - You are 100% right. Bringing up Charlie Kirk is not the time or the place. How can we support the death penalty? (00:34) Audio: Charlie Kirk praises black people – A Black commentator provides Proves That Charlie Kirk Was Not Racist (06:34) Audio: Charlie Kirk debates anti-gay man who doesn’t want gays in the conservative moment (11:20) Doug - Do you actually believe that there is no reason to give the death penalty? What about cold-blooded murderers? Bible does allow death penalty. (22:07) Victor - I wish that someone could have mentioned Charlie Kirk in the intentions, which didn't happen. (30:07) Audio: Man buys his first suit and is going to wear it at Church and he thanks his wife and Charlie Kirk (38:58) Paul - I think there is too much focus on Charlie Kirk and not enough focus on the Catholic faith? (43:46)

Patrick takes raw calls from people wrestling with grief, troubling media images, and the tangled accusations swirling around Kirk’s legacy. Patrick brings clarity and perspective, breaking down the context behind controversial clips, examining claims of racism, and weaving in Catholic responses of prayer and forgiveness. Amid confusion and unrest, Patrick moves the discussion toward truth, growth, and how even tragedy sparks unexpected conversions and moments of faith. Michelle - I am confused. We are talking a lot about Charlie Kirk. What if a gay or trans person came to your Catholic Church and wanted to serve in the Church. What would Patrick do? (00:43) Estelita (email) - I am one of those who have seen the shooting through the internet unfiltered and uncensored, and it has stirred something in me that I am trying to process. Could you give us, who have seen this clip, your thoughts to help us go through this horrendous event? (04:56) Wally - How I feel as a Catholic immigrant black woman from Cameroon that has been in America for 25 years. Kirk has said hateful things about my race and other minorities. When people die, I don't focus on the good. I concentrate on prayers for purgatory. (13:23) Audio: A black woman posts her thoughts about Charlie Kirk “he was showing a lot of people who were blind to wake up”. I followed him very closely and he is not racist. (17:41) Audio: I can’t find the racist statements that people are posting (3 black commentators talk about how Charlie Kirk was not racist) (28:46) Audio: Same 3 black commentators share clips of Charlie Kirk debating a woman about how blacks are not better off now than they were 80 years ago Patrick shares the entire Charlie Kirk quote that’s been taken out of context about “gun deaths are unfortunately worth it to keep the 2nd Amendment.” (33:16) Joshua – Is the soul of Charlie Kirk still alive, like when Jesus raised Lazarus? (39:44) Jose - Hearing Charlie Kirk has made me want to be a better Christian. (44:49) Kim - I've been praying for my sons to come back to the faith. I think they are being led by Charlie Kirk to come back to the faith. It’s given me hope. (48:21) Nader - I'm a truck driver, and prayer life is helping me (49:40)

Patrick opens with shock and sorrow at the assassination of Charlie Kirk, questioning the future of public discourse and the fragility of free speech after such violence. Nearly overwhelmed by the mix of mourning and celebration he witnesses, Patrick reflects candidly on personal encounters with anger and the fractured state of the country, setting the tone with tough questions and honest stories from callers grappling with the aftermath. Far from resigned, Patrick exposes the painful reactions online, the challenge of maintaining empathy, and the deep ache for unity in a cultural storm that feels relentless. Audio: Charlie Kirk: They’re gonna try everything possible to murder me Audio: Charlie Kirk and Bill Maher are polar opposites — but Kirk’s style made finding common ground easy (15:34) Cody - I was disturbed by a liberal person saying that Kirk died because of things that he said. (20:22) Audio: Benny Johnson stands up for Charlie Kirk while talking with Chris Cuomo for implying the hate is coming from both sides including from Charlie Kirk (27:08) Patrick shares a letter from his daughter about how awful it is to see a murder on social media (30:47) Joe - People celebrating Charlie Kirk dying: If we do that, we need to take a look in the mirror and realize who we really are. (38:24) Audio: Utah Governor: Russia and China Bots Are Pushing Disinformation and Violence – Charlie Kirk said it best, but your phones down and hug your family (41:19) Elizabeth - This slippery slope started with visiting students shutting down visiting speakers. We have a generation that has been taught that we don't have to listen or engage with the other side. (44:18) Ken - I am a liberal and believe in live and let live. It is a shame that we have right vs left. I think that the distribution of wealth is what causes problems. I think the government needs to close that gap and that would fix problem of extremism. I feel terrible about Kirk. (49:04)

Patrick reflects on the assassination of Charlie Kirk with raw honesty, giving a voice to heartbreak and confusion filling the airwaves. He balances faith, grief, and sharp cultural observations as callers recount moments of public violence, shaken, yearning, praying for both unity and a return of human decency. Every call, every pause, and every scriptural reference lands like a stone dropped in water, sending out ripples of both pain and hope. Audio: Charlie Kirk talks about Jesus Live Press Conference: We got him. (34:41) Jeannie - Are we able to unify with people who disagree with us? I don't think we can. I think a degree of fear is necessary at this point but don't think it should keep us from speaking the truth. (17:10) Paul - If there is a positive that could come out of this, everyone who has never heard of Kirk, they are going to seek out what he said. (25:26) Martin - What would Charlie do? I hope we can pray for shooter and that we can respond without vitriol. (29:21) Clementine - I was alive when Kennedy was shot. I remember running out of my house to tell my neighbor. He told me that was good, somebody had to do it. was more painful than the shooting. (36:40) Paula – I’m concerned about what the media is putting out. There is so much hatred. I hope people will be more open as Charlie Kirk was. (44:19) Sophia - I am 25 years old. I am devastated. I never found myself religious or political. Charlie gave me the opportunity to think about things in a different light. (47:56)

Patrick brings listeners into the immediate aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, airing Governor Spencer Cox’s emotional press conference on what this tragedy means for the nation and for free speech. Callers and Patrick exchange raw reactions, searching for hope while wrestling with anger, grief, and the overwhelming influence of social media algorithms on public perception. He threads faith with frank conversation, questioning whether unity is possible in a deeply divided country and urging compassion, truth, and the courage to listen. Audio: Utah Governor Cox – We must be able to have a clash of ideas without violence (01:22) *Stuart - Patrick how do you think we can heal as a nation from this? (11:42) Audio: This is how Charlie Kirk debated and interacted with folks struggling with confusion and dysphoria concerning their biology (21:20) Eileen - I am really conflicted because I am grieving for the loss of life of Charlie, yet I am also hearing a lot of negative things. I feel like the weird one. How is it that we as a nation don't see this the same way? (23:05) Aaron – I hear a deep pain in you and it hurts me (30:16) Patrick shares “I Would Have Liked Charlie to Have Those Years” (42:46)

Patrick stands with a nation stunned by the assassination of Charlie Kirk, a young father and bold voice for open dialogue, killed while addressing students. The episode unfolds with raw reactions from callers, honest prayers, and pointed questions about faith, violence, and what it means to debate without resorting to hate. Every moment aches with the reality of loss as Patrick threads together Kirk’s legacy, the demand for respectful disagreement, and the heartbreak of seeing violence silence conversation. Audio: Live Action - Charlie Kirk reminded us that a life of courage and virtue isn’t easy—but it’s worth living. His example should inspire us all to stand boldly for what’s right Carmen - This has been really hard for me. (27:22) Mary - I feel like this is kind of the official end of the Democrat Party being the party of anti-gun and peace and love. Thank you for providing a form to talk about these issues from a Catholic perspective. Stacy - My daughter texted me from school within 8 minutes after this happened. This was really shocking to me. Charlie has a had a great impact on the youth. (44:35)

Patrick confronts the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk and digs into what this act means for free speech, faith, and the raw danger that erupts when political rhetoric breeds violence. He mourns with listeners, voices the grief of a nation, and hammers home that Charlie Kirk’s courage on college campuses, defending life, truth, and family, demands not silence, but a renewed boldness; prayer, candid truth-telling, unwavering hope, even as chaos tries to steal the conversation. Patrick leaves the audience suspended between sorrow and resolve, calling out the deep wound this tragedy leaves while urging faith to keep speaking where fear would have voices silenced. Liz - I was devastated about hearing about Charlie Kirk. I am very upset but in many ways I see this as Satan attacking Kirk for the truth that he spoke. (06:43) Audio: Rep. Anna Paulina Luna on Democrats for shouting down an attempt to pray for Charlie Kirk on the House floor (49:50) Audio: Speaker Johnson – “It's clear you've had people who have resorted to political violence because they were encouraged along by the dialogue out in the public square” Audio: SOTH political violence must stop - Political violence has become all too common in American society, and this is not who we are. It violates the core principles of our country. Patrick shares his powerful and moving mediation “I would have liked -- for Charlie Kirk” (19:08) Sophie - I think Charlie was modern day martyr. They killed him, but he’s not silent. (27:26) Jason - You are talking about Charlie like he is a saint. He was a public enemy. I am not surprised why this happened. He was heartless and that is why people were heartless. (28:26) Tommy - Christ gave us a great example in the beatitudes and turning the tables over. We are in a difficult spot right now and how to approach this. (30:02) Audio: the inevitable result of the left’s violent rhetoric – Clay Travis on Fox News “You caused this!” Mike - Jason the caller antagonizing people bothers me. What happened to Kirk is not going to silence us. (36:22) Cindy - Thank you for dedicating the show to Charlie. This has been heartbreaking. This is an attack on America not just Charlie. (39:03) Sandra - How much of this violence is coming from outside of the country? Sometimes I wonder if this is a military strategy to destabilize our country. (48:03)

Patrick continues his heartbreaking reporting on the assassination of Charlie Kirk as reactions and breaking news pour in. The focus lands on the wounds left behind, Charlie’s family, his growing influence among young conservatives, his bold witness to faith, and his movement toward Catholicism, while calls flood the studio, some raw with grief, others fierce in resolve to stand for truth despite danger. In the swirl of anger, sadness, and prayer, Patrick challenges listeners to hold fast to courage and let light push back the darkness, echoing the urgency and pain of the day. Patrick gives current updates on new details of the shooter John - I have noticed that the left has become very angry about prayer and praying for shooting victims including Kirk. Democrats want control and power and this is what this is about. Julie – Thank you so much for dedicating the show to Charlie Kirk (12:18) Carolyn - Charlie didn’t go to college, but he was so much more well-read then college kids are. The purpose of higher education has changed. (15:18) Sandy - Charlie Kirk was used by God for the youth of our country, to educate people and speak truth. He was an educator and patriot. He was trying to get people to think for themselves. (28:24) Matthew – Evil self-destructs. Is Kirk a false prophet or martyr? (32:01) Annette - The left is currently talking about gun control with regards to Kirk and other events. What are your thoughts about this? (35:03) Patsy – We shouldn’t judge the murderer. (43:59) Ian - My wife and I were discussing this. Charlie Kirk’s assassination shows us that as a nation we need to get our hearts to focus on Christ. (46:54) Danny - This is shocking, hurtful, and evil. As a 32-year-old man though I am hopeful that we can change this generation. (48:29) Kathy - Our priest said that if we are in a room that is totally dark, even the smallest flame pushes back the darkness (49:57)

Patrick responds to listeners grappling with family conflict when a loved one identifies as transgender and offers straightforward advice for explaining these issues to kids. One moment, he's addressing a seven-year-old's innocent wonder about marriage in heaven; the next, he guides engaged Catholics through tough communion etiquette at weddings. With humor and candor, Patrick weaves together practical faith, real stories, and spiritual guidance, never shying away from honest conversation. Email - Our young adult niece recently sent an email to the extended family, that she is now "identifying as a man." We heard rumors about this, but now she has "officially" confirmed it. (52:00) Tyler (email) – Is it okay to have a nuptial Mass? (11:12) Isaac (7-years-old) - Are people still married in heaven? (20:50) Patrick in Denver - If someone is in the state of mortal sin we can't go to communion. Can you make an act of spiritual communion? (26:44) Patrick in Trenton - What do you think about praying the Rosary while going to bed? (29:31) Email - Receiving the Eucharist while in a state of Mortal Sin (38:32) Chris - How do the saints hear us when we say prayers? (48:24)

Patrick fields heartfelt questions from listeners, discussing everything from Catholic wedding validity in the SSPX, non-Catholics receiving Communion, and whether armed security belongs at Mass, to how best to encourage lapsed loved ones nearing the end of life. His responses, practical and rooted in both doctrine and compassion, reveal moments of struggle, raw honesty, and hope, all in the ordinary moments of faith and family. Prayer, grace, and the unexpected ways God works through even the most resistant hearts thread through each conversation. Catherine (email) – Can I attend a SSPX wedding in good conscience? (00:41) Mark - I know that Pope Leo met with Fr. James Martin. What is your opinion on this? Should we be concerned? (06:39) Sandra - If you are Lutheran, can you receive Communion? (10:44) John - Can we have armed security guards to solve this problem of school shootings? Can I pray for non-Catholic or fallen away Catholic? (24:07) Stephanie - My question is regarding people who don't know any better and they receive Communion but are not Catholic. Is this a sin? (30:57) Jean - What does my sister need to do before she dies? She’s not having a service and will not go to Confession. (38:46)

Patrick talks with callers struggling with the messy reality of faith, from the awkwardness of disagreements before Communion to raw confusion over Vatican decisions and heartbreak in the headlines. He answers questions about praying for loved ones who’ve died, draws parallels between abortion and past injustices like slavery, and challenges listeners to keep their eyes on grace, not scandal. Listeners bring him vulnerability and skepticism and Patrick gives back honesty, blunt advice, and a steady reminder that the church’s core purpose survives storms, both ancient and new. Elizabeth - Thank you, Patrick, for everything you do. I really believe that prayer works. (00:50) Monica - When I lived in California, I saw an usher who was an off-duty police officer who carried a gun, and I always felt safe. (04:11) Dan - Catechism 1448 says that the Church, through the Bishop and priests, forgives sins. Do the priests pray with the sinner and do penance for them? (04:51) Peter - If I skip Communion, do I have to go to Confession before I receive Communion again? (11:24) Francis - You emphasized the race of the person who attacked the Church in North Carolina, but not Sudan. You are against slavery and abortion but why are you against slavery when it doesn't exist anymore? (20:59) Roy - I am not Catholic, and my mother and father died recently. When I pray to God, can I pray to my mom and dad? (35:35) Elizabeth - I am finding some of Pope Leo's appointments hard to understand and I am concerned about this. Also, there was a rainbow cross being paraded through St. Patrick’s. (40:11)

Originally aired on 06/03/2025 Patrick fields pressing questions from listeners, sharing candid thoughts on funerals, Catholic liturgy, and the discomfort that comes with boundary-crossing moments at Mass. He takes questions about marriage struggles, the reality of affordable housing fears for seniors, and clears up confusion about saints interceding in our lives, using both scripture and Church tradition as his compass. Between updates on a centuries-old monastery’s closure, playful nods to Taco Tuesday, and nuanced guidance on canon law, Patrick blends gravity and warmth, meeting faith and daily life head-on. Peggy (email) - I was recently at a funeral Mass where "words of remembrance" were shared before the Liturgy of the Word (00:41) Patrick reads and responds to an email about struggling marriages and he hopes marriages can be saved and improved (03:32) Bunny (email) – I heard a homily where the bishop said that saints might not be able to hear us or help us (08:02) Michael - Affordable housing for seniors: what is our Christian perspective for this? (20:27) Matt (email) - If a couple, after years of marriage, become aware of an impediment that was present on their wedding day, but have no interest in separating, would their attempt at marriage be invalid and require being married again? (33:18) James (email) - In John 14:27, Jesus says: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you." Could you help me understand what kind of peace Jesus is offering us here? How is His peace different from the kind of peace we often seek or experience in the world? And how can we truly attain this kind of peace in our daily lives? (39:51) Last living grandson of 10th U.S. President John Tyler, dies at 96 (43:34) Egypt Closes St. Catherine’s Monastery: Confiscates Its Property and Evicts the Monks (46:56)

Originally aired on 06/03/2025 Patrick opens the hour by responding to a listener’s struggle with isolation while growing closer to Jesus, drawing parallels to St. Paul’s hardships and the promise of deeper spiritual bonds. He fields questions about Christian relics, considers the spiritual growth possible in suffering through flawed government, addresses the frustrations of Social Security, and gently advises callers on topics like wearing the rosary while on duty as a police officer or breaking the habit of speaking harshly to a parent. Lauren (email) – Do people choose not to follow Jesus because it can lead to a life of isolation? (00:39) Sean - Remind Patrick that Codex Sinaiticus was found at the St. Catherine’s Monastery at Mount Sinai (06:05) Alex - In response to affordable housing, isn’t it sometimes good to undergo suffering? (11:54) Jean – What about someone who pays into Social Security but dies before they collect anything (22:06) Patty – I’m a patrol sergeant and I wear the rosary around the neck. Is that disrespectful? (25:33) Bill - How do we discern between real videos of the pope and something that might be AI? (28:43) Beth - Response to an earlier email from Lauren about faith and isolation: the more we get involved in our parish, the more we feel connected. (35:20) Elena - Are there sins that God won’t forgive? (38:00) Jose - I live with my mom and help her. Is it right for me to leave? (44:58)

Originally aired on 06/03/2025 Patrick opens with playful Taco Tuesday banter before answering listener questions about Catholic wedding protocols, the real story behind Saint Patrick’s sainthood, and the significance of post-Vatican II changes to church architecture and liturgy. He fields tough situations: guiding a godfather on how to lovingly challenge a drifting family member, addressing concerns over boundaries at the parish, and supporting a grandmother grappling with her granddaughter’s leap to Anglicanism. Amid the laughter and heartfelt dilemmas, Patrick shares a convert’s gratitude for the Eucharist, letting honest conversation and practical wisdom steer the day. Anthony (email) – My 22-year-old nephew and his fiancé asked me to officiate their wedding ceremony. I was honored to be asked, but I'm a bit hesitant. I've never been asked to do this before. Should I accept? If not, how do I decline? (01:560) Marie - I was in Ireland recently. St. Patrick’s Church was Anglican instead of Catholic. I was told St. Patrick was never Catholic, just 'Christian', because he came before canonization. (09:47) Richard - Why did the Catholic Church change the altar around in the 60s? (21:18) Mary - My friend has a crush on a priest. What should I do? Should I let the Pastor know? (30:56) Carol - I was invited to my granddaughter’s Anglican Church confirmation, and I need advice about going to a non-Catholic service. (38:19) Andrea - This is the month of the Eucharist. I am a convert and went 58 years without it. I am full of gratitude. (45:59)

Patrick takes urgent, real-life questions from listeners: a caller wonders about addressing a priest removed from ministry, sparking a direct conversation about laicization and the permanent mark of Holy Orders; another, troubled by her husband's insistence on smartphones for their kids, prompts Patrick to warn against digital dangers and urge persistent, loving resistance. He listens to concerns on marrying across faith lines, addresses the realities when a loved one leaves the Catholic Church, and offers specific resources for those raising kids in the faith. Patrick blends empathy, Church teaching, and tough truths, moving from canonical nuance to everyday family struggles without skipping a beat. John - Should a priest removed from active ministry be addressed as Father or just his first name? (01:24) Email - What if you and your spouse disagree on phones for kids? (04:57) James - Can you explain laicization? I thought you were a priest forever. (13:04) Elena - I have an older sister who was raised Catholic. She had an annulment. Church. Can she marry a Muslim in the Church? (23:59) Felicia (email) - I understand how we should not attend a wedding of a Catholic person who is marrying outside the church without a dispensation. However, what if that person has actually left the Catholic Church? (34:21) William - I am a Catholic Dad. What Catechism for young kids should I get? (39:53) Laurie - My 25-year-old son has been struggling with his girlfriend. They love each other but she can't get past the fact that my son is Catholic. They are breaking up over this. Do you have any advice? (44:58)

Patrick fields real-life questions about faith, relationships, and the tangled intersections between Catholicism and Protestantism, offering a moving story of a once-divided marriage, sharing a book to spark honest conversation, and urging listeners to consider Christ’s challenging call in Luke’s Gospel. He dissects scriptural references to Babylon, addresses listener worries about Michael Knowles and the legacy of Pope Pius XII, and speaks bluntly about Judas, free will, and how God’s knowledge differs radically from human experience. Patrick never shies away from the raw emotions and real dilemmas, choosing direct advice and practical resources over platitudes. Patrick continues his conversation with Laurie from the end of the last hour. She’s looking for advice for her adult son in regard to marrying a Catholic woman. (00:40) Anna - I heard an episcopal priest say that Babylon was Rome. Is this true? (13:11) Aimee (email) - I am not familiar with Mr. Knowles, is he a Catholic? I keep seeing an ad for Michael Knowles regarding "Hitler's Pope" or "Pope of Silence", Pope Pius XI and Vatican Secret Files. Have you seen it or have knowledge about it? I don't want to watch a program that is against Catholicism. (20:15) Audio: Michael Knowles debates, transgender guy who thinks he’s a woman Michelle - Judas gave the money back to the High Priest. Is that a form of Confession and was Judas saved by this? (29:27) Lucy - If God gave us free will, but there is a plan laid out for our lives, is that really free will? (48:13)

Patrick opens the hour by wrestling with the classic question of free will versus God's foreknowledge, using vivid analogies to draw listeners in as he takes each caller seriously, whether discussing divine providence, Old Testament sacrifices tied to baptism, or the loneliness of grief after a long marriage. Throughout, Patrick blends practical spiritual advice with big-picture theology as he responds to listeners who long for clarity, comfort, or a pathway back to Catholicism. The conversations leap from the philosophy of human choice to reflections on church authority, family, and the longing for fellowship, all with his steady presence guiding the way. Patrick continues his conversation with Lucy. She asks, If God gave us free will, but there is a plan laid out for our lives, is that really free will? (00:44) Dan – How do the Ashes of the Red Heifer point to Christ? (08:13) David - My younger sister is attending a Protestant Church. Can you advise me on how to bring her back to the Catholic Church? (20:55) John – Can I date a woman who is divorced? (31:43) Richard - Is it true that John the Apostle never did any miracles? (44:26)

Patrick explores current controversies in schools, where parents speak out against policies branding girls as mentally ill for wanting privacy from boys in restrooms. He brings listeners firsthand accounts from a mom and a young woman wrestling with gender ideology. He also highlights artificial intelligence's surprising ability to identify consciousness in comatose patients, sparking urgent questions about life, ethics, and hope. Audio: Temecula Valley USD wants to label girls with a “mental health disorder” if they object to males in their bathroom (03:34) Audio: You’re just a Tomboy (08:10) Scott (email) - Was I wrong to leave mass? (13:32) AI Spots Hidden Signs of Consciousness in Comatose Patients before Doctors Do (21:18) Vicky - What do you mean by the term 'binder'? (27:19) Joe - I think people should receive the Eucharist who are mentally ill. It has been helpful to me. (34:36) Mary - I have had this covert consciousness happen to me. I knew my family was around me but they were not aware. I was not able to communicate but I know I was there. (35:40) Julie - I am tomboyish. I had a lot of people in school asking me if I was lesbian. I have been married for over 7 years and am happy. (42:15)

Patrick opens the hour by tackling unsettling headlines from Europe, with France and Germany bracing for potential conflict, and raises the question of what governments might know that ordinary citizens do not. He then turns to listener calls, addressing concerns about priests’ behavior with personal stories and the inspiring example of St. John Vianney, and offering a mix of humor and practical. A call from Jessica brings a moment of raw honesty, as Patrick encourages her to draw from her own suffering to help her children grasp the depth of God’s love. Is Europe preparing for WWWIII? (01:45) Rick (email) - Should a priest be seen throwing back drinks in a local bar? (07:18) Mark - How old was Adam when God created Eve? (21:13) Jeanne (email) – Thank you. I’m back home in the Catholic Church because of you (24:10) Sylvia (email) – Should we stay at a hotel that I’ve heard is haunted? (27:27) Patricia - Has the 100 years where God gave Satan dominion ended or is it still happening? (37:04) Jessica - How can I help foster the love of God in a rebellious teenager? (40:59)

Patrick tackles grief and faith head-on, answering tough questions about martyrdom, church law, and sacramental practice following the Minnesota church shooting. He fields real-world calls, from Teri’s struggle with Sunday obligations as a caregiver and Teresa’s anxiety over smartphones in the confessional, blending practical Catholic wisdom with sharp awareness of modern technology’s impact. Moments of reassurance and challenge are laced with candid reminders that intention alone cannot replace confession or the sacraments. Vincent (email) - Can the deceased victims of the Minnesota church shooting be considered Catholic martyrs? If so, how is this decided upon or declared by the Church? (00:57) Teri – I didn’t receive communion because I was sick. Can I go receive communion the next week without going to confession? (08:40) Teresa - I went to Confession last week. The priest had his phone with him and I don't want someone listening to my Confession. What are your thoughts? (11:25) John - I heard that you can still receive in a state of mortal sin as long as you want forgiveness. Is this true? (26:34) David - How is mortal sin different from the baptism of desire in regard to going to confession? (41:18) John - I want to point out that a lot of these priests are on call and they don't have an option to turn their phone off. Many priests don't have the luxury to turn off their phones. (47:19)

Patrick opens with heartbreak, reading the U.S. Bishops’ response to the Minneapolis church shooting, then moves through the raw aftermath: a child’s shaken words, Mayor Frey’s press conference, and the overwhelming sadness gripping the Annunciation community. He questions the meaning behind public phrases like “thoughts and prayers,” tracing their use through pop culture and challenging listeners to go beyond slogans, turning attention to faith, conscience, and how Christians can respond authentically to suffering and violence. Voices from callers add urgency, raising concerns about mental health, media, and the roots of violence that stubbornly persist. Patrick shares the Statement of U.S. Bishops’ Vice President on Shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis (01:07) Audio: Young boy at Annunciation Church shooting describes what happened (02:27) Audio: Minneapolis Mayor, Jacob Frey: "Anybody that is going to use this as an opportunity to villainize our trans community or any community has lost touch with a common humanity. We have to be operating not out of hate for any group, but out of a love for our children.” (04:41) Patrick comments on “Thoughts and Prayers” as a slogan (06:18) Matt - I thought that Father Cormack Burke's book on the connection between pornography and violence was good. Do you think that this is a plausible reason for these mass shootings? (36:43) Dave - I think there is a difference between a properly formed conscience and ill-informed conscience. How could be a conscience be that malformed? What kind of mortal sins would you have to commit? (43:43)

Patrick takes tough questions about capital punishment and Catholic teaching, untangling how doctrine and papal guidance shape conscience in cases like jury service for murder trials. Callers weigh in, some insisting stricter gun laws or outright bans are the way forward, others defending the need for self-defense and recounting moments when armed citizens stopped tragedy. Arguments over mental health, law enforcement, faith, and what really keeps innocent people safe spark a discussion where moral nuance meets raw opinion and lived experience. Mike - If this Mass shooter who committed this horrible hate crime had survived, he would have been charged with murder. Does the Catholic Church allow for the imposition of the death penalty? (00:39) Peter - The reluctance of the Catholic Church to confront gun laws is troubling. If you and Relevant Radio are so prolife, why don't you do this? (12:22) Adelso (email) - I believe a background check is insufficient to purchase a weapon; a psychological evaluation should also be required. (24:13) Dennis (email) - The problem is that gun ownership laws already on the books are often ignored. In addition, as you know, criminals will not obey gun laws - if they want to get one, they will. That's why they are called criminals. (24:52) Patrick talks with Cyrus about gun control and citizens who have stopped massacres, and then he shares more emails that have come in during the show Terry - I am buying a gun! I am a sane person. I want to use this for protection. How do we screen a person if they are crazy or not? (39:01) Nick - Eradicating guns is not going to fix this. Eradicating the right of individuals to defend themselves is exactly what some politicians want. (47:36) Roy - People need to know why the 2nd Amendment in the Constitution. People need to study history to know that tyrants always take away guns first. (49:30)

Patrick confronts the aftermath of the Minneapolis church shooting, threading callers' raw stories and emails through his search for why violence has surged, all while scrutinizing cultural shifts, violent media, fractured families, and technology’s grip. He refuses to look away from difficult questions about parenting, faith, and the uncomfortable links between media exposure and aggression. Across perspectives spanning heartbreak, frustration, and weary hope, Patrick lets the messiness unfold while weighing the spiritual and practical challenges pressing on America’s conscience. Michael (email) - This behavior needs to be rooted out and destroyed. (01:02) Patrick shares more emails about gun control John - I am 76-years-old and Vietnam War Veteran. This talk about a taking guns away is ridiculous. I am tired of people trying to take rights away from us. (05:25) Amelia - We don't need coddling like the shooters’ mom did. (14:49) Dana - America has so much violence. It is like a spirit of violence in the air. I think that just about everyone has a gun. Could they make guns that could just injure and not kill? (19:21) Michelle - There is a gun shop/pawnshop near here. We have laws for guns, but they don't enforce them because they are afraid of offending people who are mentally ill. (28:57) Laura - What has changed? You are not even talking about social media and how the rate of mental health problems has gone up since 2020. (31:28) Rita - There was mass violence during the Vietnam War. Remember the Kent State shooting and also the bombings. I don't think that the trans thing has much to do with Catholic students being murdered. (33:52) Mary (email) - How do we influence and coexist with other catholic parents in a conservative catholic school environment where so many of the parents in this community have rolled over and given their kids these smart phones? (37:05) Cindy - We need to remember that we are one in the body of Christ. We have to always be prepared with our spiritual weapons like the Rosary. (40:13) Richard - I teach a serial killer and mass murder class. When it comes to violent video games, numerous studies have been done linking these games to acts of aggression. (42:26) Maureen - Our politics have become extremely violent. People need to look at the politicians who have called on violence towards others. (46:37) Anna - You are talking about the underlying issues. I think these things are promoted and allowed. Look at Epstein, mafia, and cartels. It's all big money. (48:47) Mike - I feel strongly that Roe v. Wade started all of this because as a society we have become numb to death. (49:49)

Patrick handles questions from callers about selling blessed items and explains the Church's stance on simony, warning against treating spiritual goods as commodities. He picks apart misunderstandings about Christ’s divinity, rooting his answers in Scripture and the testimony of the earliest Christians, and engages in a spirited back-and-forth with a Pentecostal caller about the Trinity, grounding his replies both historically and theologically. When a mother wonders what to do about baptism for her child against her husband’s wishes, Patrick lays out the responsibilities and options with practical clarity. Peter - Is it wrong to sell a blessed item like a Rosary? (01:10) Lucy (email) - If Jesus never said in the New Testament that He was God, why are we so certain? (11:09) Dan - In John 7, who is Jesus talking about when He says, “he that believeth in me”? (23:03) Martine (email) - If he's always existed, "where" was Jesus before he was born? (37:17) Marie - Infant baptism. I understand that this is not licit but could be done. If I baptized my kid on my own (without a priest or deacon) would I have to confess that? (47:51)

Patrick opens the episode weighing whether non-Catholic students should be altar servers in Catholic schools, laying out Church teaching and exploring its purpose. As listeners call in with their own stories and questions, he gives thoughtful responses, especially on how roles at Mass shape faith and vocations in boys and girls. Mid-discussion, Patrick shifts instantly to urgent updates about a tragic mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis, breaking from ordinary conversation to offer live news and prayer. Adam (email) – Can non-Catholic students who attend Catholic school be altar servers? (00:52) Ellen (email) - Aren't altar servers supposed to have made their First Communion? (12:18) Stephanie – Non-Catholic kids in the Mass: I think as a kid it helped me to go to Mass to feel that I was welcome and that it wasn't closed off. (14:10) Brother John – A woman told me that we don't say altar boys anymore but altar servers. (21:12) Rick - Have you ever heard of Father Peter Mary Rookie? (35:40) Bethany - I was a girl altar server. What would be beneficial for girls to do? Being an altar server helped bring me closer to my faith. What other options are there for young women? (39:09)

Patrick opens with real-time updates on the tragic mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Parish and School in Minneapolis, offering prayers and compassion while processing the horror as fresh details emerge. Amid sorrowful news, Patrick answers heartfelt listener calls about loss, faith, and why God permits such suffering, comforting those in pain while highlighting hope in scripture and the life of the Church. An eleven-year-old altar server’s voice brings a moment of gentle encouragement and innocence against the day’s grief. Sharleen - My Church is St. Bernadette in Scottsdale. We have Knights of the Altar. (02:24) Aaron - I am distressed by this shooting. Is there any canon law or church teaching that would address that these children went to heaven? (24:01) Walter 11-years-old - I am an altar server, and it has helped me get so much closer to God. (30:28) Sharlyn - If God wills all things, is it His will for people to use their free will to carry out evil intention? (41:51)

It shouldn’t be a controversy to start a pro-life club at a Catholic high school. Patrick sorts through inconsistent policies and the confusion faced by students and parents. He fields a call from a thoughtful seven-year-old, breaks down traditions around Communion, and swaps stories about awkward early jobs and donut debates, letting serious moments mingle with humor and everyday honesty. Throughout the episode, Patrick offers insight, practical steps, and encouragement for families working to keep the Catholic faith alive in a rapidly shifting culture. Martha (email) – Please consider homeschooling (00:41) Joel (email) – Kids should have t-shirts that say “Pro-Life Club” (04:30) Patrick and Cyrus talk about jobs they didn’t last long at (11:31) Richard - What is the proper way of handling the Eucharist when putting it inside the monstrance? (18:00) Avery (7-years-old) - Why can't nuns and priests get married? (24:25) Daniel (email) – Donuts and coffee! (34:47) A.J. (email) - I find it deplorable that the innocence of our special needs community is being compromised by the LGBTQ ideology. (38:05) Email - These verses are considered to be prophetic concerning the 1,000-year reign… (43:41) Brian - How do I find a Catholic Church in San Francisco? (48:24)

Brian calls in from San Francisco, searching for faith after a hard life, and Patrick offers hands-on advice for reconnecting with parish life and finding support. Marriage, divorce, and questions about scripture surface; Patrick calmly explains Catholic teaching and directs callers to authentic resources. Listeners offer prayers and concrete help, while Patrick quietly becomes a steady friend for souls hoping for relief or belonging. Patrick continues his conversation with Bryan who had his life change by the words of a street preacher and is looking into joining the Catholic Church (01:20) Silvana (email) - Thanks for recommending Star of the Sea Parish to Brian. They have a beautiful Marian Shrine there too. (20:24) Julie - I was so moved by your conversation with Bryan. The pastor of Our Lady Star of the Sea used to be a pastor of mine at another Church. Great guy. I want to thank you, Patrick. (20:42) Lisa - My daughter is going through a divorce and has been seeing a man for a year now. She is planning on getting an annulment. Can they live together as brother and sister? (26:38) Tony - My sister is living together with her husband civilly but not having sexual relations and receiving communion. Is that ok? (36:22) Michael - What do you think of the NIV and the King James Bibles? Are they comparable to Catholic bibles? (43:04)

Patrick responds to questions that cut to the heart of Catholic life, moving from a supervisor’s Sunday work dilemma to a mother’s heartbreak over her son abandoning Mass for love. He weaves together listener stories, personal reflections, and Church teaching with both gentle encouragement and striking candor. As he celebrates the arrival of his new grandson and listens to tales of faith, Patrick offers practical advice and genuine warmth, drawing out the truth in every exchange. Steven (email) – Is it okay to ask people to work on Sunday? (02:03) Mary - My son is dating someone who is not Catholic. I feel the girlfriend is lying to him. Is there anything I can do? (10:07) Rosa - I called a year ago about an annulment. I want to thank you for your guidance. It helped me a lot. (23:17) Caesar - In Catholic Christian burials, we should keep the body together and not cremated and spread in the ocean. Saints, however, have relics all over the world. Can you help me understand this? (29:07) Victor – Our priest said that not all Catholics will be going to Heaven. He also said that we might meet Buddhist monks in heaven. How is this possible? (38:56)

Patrick opens the episode on a thankful note, spotlighting listener generosity before moving straight into authentic conversations about battling temptation, the significance of vows, and practical spiritual advice. He fields passionate emails and calls, touching on struggles with sin, the value of daily prayer, defending pro-life stances in Catholic schools, and finding God’s glory in everyday actions, with surprising candor and warmth. Expect encouragement, some humor, and a few pointed challenges for anyone yearning to live their faith more deeply. Larry (email) - When trying to overcome a bad habit, like overeating or over drinking, to say, “I vow to God that I won’t overeat today.” (01:20) David (email) – How can I defeat the temptation of porn? (04:44) Susan (email) - I am a huge fan of Relevant Radio, you and Cyrus (22:12) John Paul (email) - My high school allows LGPTQ clubs, but not bible study clubs (25:00) Pat in Alberta - How do I glorify God? (38:11) Jacob - I have been dating a Lutheran girl for a couple of months. How can I convince her about the Catholic view of faith and works? (41:45) Bob - You are talking about lust. Does lust always have to do with sex? (49:22)

Patrick welcomes listeners into a cascade of honest conversations, fielding calls about temptation, virtue, and what it means to honor Catholic values during daily life’s toughest tests. He responds to real stories, from a caller’s brother leaving the faith for marriage, to fiery debates about pro-life representation in Catholic schools and Church leadership’s clarity, offering thoughtful book suggestions, clear Catholic teaching, and encouragement for deeper prayer and action. Angels, their hierarchy, and the invisible spiritual presence around each Mass come alive as Patrick brings theological insight and practical advice, guiding both skeptics and seekers toward deeper understanding. Patrick continues his conversation with Bob from the end of the last hour about lust and sex (00:45) Jeff - My brother left the faith to be with his wife. Should I drop this or try to persuade him still? (05:45) Liz - What does the hierarchy of angels look like? Do they all sing with us during the Gloria at Mass? (12:56) Alexis (email) - Regarding the email about the pro alphabet club but anti life club: do you think it possibly boils down to funding for the school? (24:14) Trip (email) - Why can’t the Pope fix these corrupt Catholic schools? (26:31) Brian - I have a coworker who says that the Catholics killed Christians who disagreed with the Church before Luther. (33:27) Janelle (email) - How do you feel about the concept of "spiritual friendship" (sometimes called "vowed friendship")? (38:03) Kathy - I do believe that many are leaving the Church because of all the LGBTQ stuff going on in our parishes. Strong leaders could have a large effect but they skirt the issues of this. I think you should be bolder about this. (41:50)

Patrick tackles tough faith questions with honest, unscripted candor, from wrestling with Gospel passages on salvation to offering comfort for grief after a beloved pet’s loss. He fields calls about business ethics in old church buildings, kids’ biblical curiosities, salvation debates in marriage, and the sometimes-painful mysteries we all face. Listeners hear hard truths, genuine compassion, and the constant thread of hope rooted in Catholic wisdom. Michelle - Why would God create people if most of them are going to Hell? It almost seems like the devil wins because he gets most of God's children. (00:40) Terry - My friend is asking me to run a coffee shop in his Protestant Church. Can I do that? (12:22) Emily (8-years-old) - In 2 Kings it mentions that Elijah went up in a chariot of fire. Did he actually go to heaven or was it just a 'place of waiting?' (19:13) Cindy - I am struggling. I lost my pet last Thursday. Can you give me some words of comfort and advice? (22:57) Nancy - My husband is a Baptist. He believes in having a personal relationship with Jesus and works are not required. What do you think? (28:02) Mark - What is the Catholic understanding of Peter's power to loose and bind in Matthew 16? (38:34)

Patrick Madrid takes a call from Matt in Huntington Beach, who asks a very relatable question: How do I keep prayer intentional when I have so many intentions that it feels like a checklist? Patrick admits right away that he’s not speaking as a prayer “expert,” but as a fellow traveler who wrestles with the same distractions. He encourages you to pray at times and in places where the noise of life is quieter -- whether that’s at home in the early morning or during a visit to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. But he also affirms that prayer doesn’t have to be limited to those moments; it can happen anywhere -- in the car, at the grocery store, or in the middle of a busy day. What matters most, Patrick says, is not the absence of distractions but what you do with them. He suggests offering those distractions to God directly: “Lord, I’m trying to pray, but my mind is scattered. I give you these distractions too.” That effort, he says, is pleasing to God because it shows love and persistence. Patrick also draws on Ignatian spirituality, recommending a prayer method that involves putting yourself into the scene of Scripture or the mysteries of the Rosary. For example, while praying the Sorrowful Mysteries, you can imagine yourself standing at the pillar as Jesus is scourged, which helps stir gratitude and deepen prayer. He goes on to outline the stages of prayer: -Discursive prayer -- the “shallow end,” made up of spontaneous prayers or rote prayers like the Our Father -Meditation -- a deeper form, where the mind and heart actively engage with the truths of the Faith -Contemplation -- the “deep end” of prayer, described by saints like Teresa of Avila as gazing on God with love, much like beholding a beautiful sunset in awe On the specific problem of prayer becoming a long “laundry list,” Patrick introduces the idea of virtual intentions. Instead of naming every single person or need individually each time, you can entrust categories of people or petitions to God: “Lord, I pray for all those I promised to pray for” or “I pray for all who have died.” This way, prayer remains heartfelt without being mechanical. Finally, Patrick recommends two spiritual classics to grow in prayer: Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales and The Interior Castle by St. Teresa of Avila. Both provide wisdom on moving from simple, everyday prayer to deeper intimacy with God. Patrick reminds you: the key is not perfection, but intention. As long as you’re sincerely engaging with God rather than just “clickety clacking” through words, your prayer life will bear fruit.

Patrick takes a call from John, a Protestant pastor in Texas, who asks whether the Mass is invalid if a Catholic priest celebrates it while in a state of mortal sin. Patrick explains that the Mass would still be valid, because validity depends on three essential elements: form (the words of consecration), matter (unleavened bread and wine), and intention (the priest’s intention to confect the Eucharist). Patrick clarifies that while the Mass would remain valid, it could be illicit (unlawful) if the priest knowingly skipped required elements or celebrated without first confessing grave sin. He brings up the history of the Church, citing St. Augustine’s defense against the Donatists, who wrongly claimed sacraments were invalid if the minister was unworthy. Augustine argued that if their logic were correct, no one could ever have confidence in any sacrament, since we can’t see into a minister’s soul. Patrick also notes St. Thomas Aquinas’ reassurance that the very act of a priest celebrating Mass provides moral certainty that his intention is valid. John connects this with 1 Corinthians 11, where St. Paul warns that those who receive the Eucharist unworthily bring judgment upon themselves, and he shares his growing appreciation for Catholic teaching through Relevant Radio.

A caller named Marianne asked Patrick Madrid how to explain to her evangelical son-in-law that Mary remained a virgin her whole life, especially since he believes the Bible says Jesus had brothers in the literal sense. The Teaching in a Nutshell Catholic dogma says Mary was a virgin before the conception of Jesus, during His birth, and after His birth for the rest of her life. Jesus was her only child. This belief isn’t just Catholic tradition; Patrick argues it’s what the Bible itself supports when understood correctly. The ‘Brothers of Jesus’ Problem Many Protestants point to verses like: Matthew 13:55 - “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas?” Mark 6:3 - Similar listing of “brothers” of the Lord. Patrick explains: In the Bible, “brother” (adelphos in Greek) has a wide range of meanings. It can mean biological brother, but also cousin, nephew, or even close family friend. Example: In Genesis 14:14, Lot is called Abraham’s “brother”, but we know from other passages that Lot was actually Abraham’s nephew. The Famous “Until” Verse Critics love to quote Matthew 1:25: “[Joseph] had no marital relations with her until she had given birth to a son.” -Some assume “until” means they started relations afterward. -But in biblical usage, “until” (heōs in Greek) does not mean a change afterward. -Patrick’s analogy: “Grandma didn’t take her medicine until she died.” That doesn’t mean she took it after! The ‘Firstborn’ Title Luke 2:7 calls Jesus Mary’s “firstborn.” Skeptics think that means there must have been a “second-born.” Not so! In Jewish law, firstborn is a legal term for the child who opens the womb, whether or not more children follow. Even an only child is still the “firstborn” in biblical and legal language. A Cross-Shaped Clue At the crucifixion (John 19:26-27), Jesus entrusted His mother to John, not to one of His “brothers.” If Mary had other biological sons, this would have been unthinkable in Jewish culture; her care would automatically go to them. The fact that Jesus chose John is silent but strong proof that Mary had no other children. The Early Church’s United Voice From the very beginning, Christians, including those who personally knew the Apostles, unanimously affirmed Mary’s perpetual virginity. No significant leader questioned it until the mid-4th century, when a man named Helvidius claimed otherwise. St. Jerome, a brilliant Scripture scholar and translator, wrote an entire work Against Helvidius, dismantling every argument point-by-point. Even Luther & Calvin Agreed Here’s a surprise for many Protestants: Martin Luther and John Calvin, the founders of the Reformation and fierce opponents of Catholicism, both affirmed Mary’s perpetual virginity. They didn’t accept it because the Catholic Church said so; they accepted it because the biblical and historical evidence for it was airtight. Why the Disagreement Today? Patrick brings up that many modern Christians reject this teaching for one simple reason: “If the Catholic Church teaches it, it must be wrong.”They then go hunting for Bible verses that seem to contradict it. But none of those verses, when understood in context, actually prove Mary had other children. Mary’s perpetual virginity isn’t an “extra Catholic add-on.” It’s rooted in Scripture, confirmed by history, defended by the early Church Fathers, and even upheld by the first Protestant Reformers. For anyone truly willing to look at the evidence, and not just react against Catholicism, the case is clear: Mary was, is, and always will be the Virgin Mother of Jesus.

Image via Riccardo De Luca - Update / Shutterstock. Here’s a beautiful invitation from The Patrick Madrid Show that every Catholic should hear: Pope Leo XIV is asking us to fast and pray for peace this August 22nd, the Feast of the Queenship of Mary. At his general audience, the Holy Father turned his heart, and ours, toward the many conflict zones around the world... especially in Ukraine and the Holy Land. His message is clear: Mary, our Queen of Peace, is with us in the fight for true peace, and she’s inviting us to join her through prayer and fasting. So why August 22nd? Mary is honored as Queen of Heaven, and she’s reigning as our Mother; she's standing with us in every struggle. Patrick explains how this connects directly to Revelation 12, where the “woman clothed with the sun” is both Mary and a symbol of the Church. This woman gives birth to Christ and then becomes the target of the dragon, who wages war not just on her, but on the rest of her offspring. These are those who follow Jesus and keep His commandments. What the Pope is Asking: Pope Leo’s call isn’t generic. He says: “I ask you... to include in your intentions a supplication for the gift of peace, a peace that is disarmed and disarming, especially for Ukraine and the Middle East.” This is about real peace, the kind that starts in the heart and flows out to the world. What to Do on August 22nd: Here’s how you can respond: -Pray a Rosary (especially for peace) -Fast in whatever way you can: from food, social media, entertainment, etc... -Offer your day for all who are suffering because of war and violence -Invite others to join you: family, friends, your parish group, etc... August 22nd is your chance to join the Church worldwide in a spiritual mission for peace. Mary is Queen, and she’s leading the charge. Will you follow her lead?

Patrick takes on urgent Catholic family questions, from the ethics of end-of-life care and DNR orders to how the Church guides parents facing unmarried pregnancies, all while offering advice grounded in faith and honesty. Listeners bring raw stories: fighting off hospital pressure, supporting loved ones at critical moments, and challenging popular fads and misconceptions about everything from mysterious dolls to the origins of “Christ.” Throughout, he infuses the hour with community spirit, rallying support for Relevant Radio’s mission and keeping listeners connected and informed. Jose (email) - My 89-year-old Mother who is in a very advanced state of dementia is no longer aware of her surroundings. We face a difficult situation and are in need of spiritual guidance. (00:30) Christina (email) – Labubu dolls are called “monsters” and are based off of pagan Nordic folklore and mythology. (14:53) Roxanne - After Vatican II, is it allowed for a Catholic and Christian to choose either Church for a wedding? (19:31) Email – My daughter is living in sin and I’m not sure I should go to the bridal shower (30:46) Deerdra - I was talking with someone who believes that the word Christ came from the word 'Krishna'? (35:59) Kaitlin (email) - Is there no consideration of intention in the question of validity of baptism? (42:57) Mike (email) – After the priest has changed the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Chris, it no longer just bread and wine. Shouldn't our acclamation acknowledge that by saying something like "When we partake of the Body and Blood of Christ, we proclaim your Death”? (47:36)

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