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25 episodes with alex solsma
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
In this episode, in honor of World Day of Prayer for Vocations, which will be celebrated on May 8, 2022, my guest is Alex Solsma, a seminarian with the Diocese of Arlington and the former director of communications and evangelization at the Basilica. He talks about his journey of discernment for what he hopes is his future vocation as a priest and the importance of prayer during that journey. The purpose of World day of Prayer for Vocations is to publicly fulfill the Lord's instruction to "Pray the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into His harvest" (Matthew 9:38; Luke 10:2).While appreciating all vocations, the Church concentrates its attention this day on vocations to the ordained ministries (priesthood and diaconate), consecrated life in all its forms (male and female religious life, societies of apostolic life, consecrated virginity), secular institutes in their diversity of services and membership, and to the missionary life. Please click here for more information.
Alex Solsma, a Seminarian for the Diocese of Arlington and former Director of Communications and Evangelization at the Basilica of Saint Mary in Alexandria, VA, shared a short reflection in honor of National Vocation Awareness Week. It was recorded at the end of a Mass at the Basilica on November 14, 2021.
Diocese of Arlington Seminarian Alex Solsma reflects on Saint John XXIII's Devotion to Saint Joseph in this edition of the Basilica of Saint Mary podcast. This is the seventh installment in our Year of Saint Joseph Series. During this year, the Basilica will release a podcast about Saint Joseph on the 19th of every month. Alex is the former Director of Communications and Evangelization at the Basilica of Saint Mary. He will soon begin studying for the priesthood at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood, PA, near Philadelphia. Our complete podcast archive, which features more talks and interviews, is located here. The Basilica of Saint Mary Podcast is also available for download on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Father Nicholas Blank reflects on his ministry at the Basilica of Saint Mary in a conversation with Alex Solsma, the Basilica's Director of Communications and Evangelization, on this edition of The Basilica of Saint Mary Podcast. Father Nicholas will begin his new assignment as Parochial Vicar at Saint John the Evangelist Parish in Warrenton on June 24. He has served as a Parochial Vicar at the Basilica of Saint Mary since his ordination to the priesthood in 2019. Founded in 1795, the Basilica of Saint Mary in Old Town Alexandria is the first Catholic parish established in Virginia. Pope Francis named the church a minor basilica on December 6, 2017 due to its important role in the growth of the Catholic Church in North America.
Alex Solsma, the Basilica's Director of Communications and Evangelization, has a conversation with Father Jonathan Smith. Father Smith was ordained to the priesthood earlier this month by Bishop Burbidge. His home parish is the Basilica of Saint Mary. Founded in 1795, the Basilica of Saint Mary in Old Town Alexandria is the first Catholic parish established in Virginia. Pope Francis named the church a minor basilica on December 6, 2017 due to its important role in the growth of the Catholic Church in North America.
Father David Dufresne, Parochial Vicar at the Basilica of Mary, and Alex Solsma, the Basilica's Director of Communications, have a discussion with Archbishop Bashar Warda of Erbil, Iraq. Archbishop Warda reflects on the recent Papal visit to Iraq by Pope Francis and shares his vision for the future of the Church in his archdiocese. Archbishop Warda was ordained a priest in 1993 and was consecrated as Archbishop of Ebril in 2010. Founded in 1795, the Basilica of Saint Mary in Old Town Alexandria is the first Catholic parish established in Virginia. Pope Francis named the church a minor basilica on December 6, 2017 due to its important role in the growth of the Catholic Church in North America.
Earlier this month, Pope Francis visited Iraq. It was the first time a Pope visited the country. Father David Dufresne, a Parochial Vicar at the Basilica of Saint Mary, was in Iraq for the visit. He reflects on his experiences in a conversation with Alex Solsma, the Basilica's Director of Communications and Evangelization. Founded in 1795, the Basilica of Saint Mary in Old Town Alexandria is the first Catholic parish established in Virginia. Pope Francis named the church a minor basilica on December 6, 2017 due to its important role in the growth of the Catholic Church in North America.
This podcast features a talk Alex Solsma gave at the Basilica of Saint Mary’s Theology on Tap event for March. The topic of his reflection is “One Year of the Pandemic: A Time for Trust, Detachment, and Abandonment.” This month marks the one year anniversary of the nation-wide shutdowns and restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the talk, Solsma reflects on the spiritual themes he has felt invited and challenged to explore during this difficult time – including trust, detachment, and abandonment. Solsma has served as the Director of Communications and Evangelization at the Basilica of Saint Mary since 2018. Before coming to Old Town, he was a radio broadcast journalist, covering news and sports in Iowa and Wisconsin. He is a graduate of the University of Iowa and a native of Sioux City, Iowa. Theology on Tap is our monthly speaker series for Young Adults. This podcast was recorded on March 1, 2021. Founded in 1795, the Basilica of Saint Mary in Old Town Alexandria is the first Catholic parish established in Virginia. Pope Francis named the church a minor basilica on December 6, 2017 due to its important role in the growth of the Catholic Church in North America.
Father David Dufresne, a Parochial Vicar at the Basilica of Saint Mary, discusses the life and spirituality of Saint Ignatius of Loyola with Alex Solsma, the Basilica's Director of Communications and Evangelization. Today, July 31st, is the Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. Founded in 1795, the Basilica of Saint Mary in Old Town Alexandria is the first Catholic parish established in Virginia. Pope Francis named the church a minor basilica on December 6, 2017 due to its important role in the growth of the Catholic Church in North America.
On this podcast, Alex Solsma, the Basilica's Director of Communications and Evangelization, talks about five of his favorite Catholic films. He discusses The Cardinal (1963), Becket (1964), A Man For All Seasons (1966), The Mission (1986), and A Hidden Life (2019). Founded in 1795, the Basilica of Saint Mary in Old Town Alexandria is the first Catholic parish established in Virginia. Pope Francis named the church a minor basilica on December 6, 2017 due to its important role in the growth of the Catholic Church in North America.
The Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary with Fr. David Dufresne, seminarian Jonathan Smith and Alex Solsma. Father David leads the praying of the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary. Stay united with us in prayer during the Coronavirus pandemic. Founded in 1795, the Basilica of Saint Mary in Old Town Alexandria is the first Catholic parish established in Virginia. Pope Francis named the church a minor basilica on December 6, 2017 due to its important role in the growth of the Catholic Church in North America.
Alex Solsma has a conversation with the new principal at the Basilica School of Saint Mary, Dan Cinalli, on this edition of our podcast. A longtime resident of Northern Virginia, Mr. Cinalli attended Catholic schools in the Diocese of Arlington from grades K-12. He holds a BA in English from George Mason University and also earned a Masters of Education Administration with a concentration in Catholic School Leadership from Marymount University. He most recently was the principal at Saint Michael School in Annandale, a role he had held since July 2016. He previously was assistant principal at Saint Timothy Catholic School in Chantilly, the second largest parish school in our diocese, from July 2013 to 2016. Prior to that, Mr. Cinalli served as an English teacher at Paul VI High School in Fairfax for more than three years and worked for Computer Sciences Corporation of Chantilly before becoming an educator. Founded in 1795, the Basilica of Saint Mary in Old Town Alexandria is the first Catholic parish established in Virginia. Pope Francis named the church a minor basilica on December 6, 2017 due to its important role in the growth of the Catholic Church in North America.
Alex Solsma has a conversation with our new Parochial Vicar, Father Nicholas Blank, on this edition of The Basilica of Saint Mary Podcast. Father Nicholas was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Michael Burbidge on June 8, 2019 at the Cathedral of Saint Thomas More in Arlington. He shares the story of his path to the priesthood during this podcast. Father Nicholas replaces Father Andrew Haissig, who served as a Parochial Vicar at Saint Mary from June of 2015 to June of 2019. Father Andrew is now a Parochial Vicar at Saint Louis Parish in Alexandria. Founded in 1795, the Basilica of Saint Mary in Old Town Alexandria is the first Catholic parish established in Virginia. Pope Francis named the church a minor basilica on December 6, 2017 due to its important role in the growth of the Catholic Church in North America.
It was recently announced by the Diocese of Arlington that Father Andrew Haissig, who has served as Parochial Vicar at Saint Mary since June of 2015, has been appointed as a Parochial Vicar at Saint Louis Parish in Alexandria. Father Andrew reflects on his four years at the Basilica in this conversation with Alex Solsma. Founded in 1795, the Basilica of Saint Mary in Old Town Alexandria is the first Catholic parish established in Virginia. Pope Francis named the church a minor basilica on December 6, 2017 due to its important role in the growth of the Catholic Church in North America.
Alex Solsma interviews Jonathan Smith, a seminarian for the Diocese of Arlington, whose home parish is the Basilica of Saint Mary. He describes his journey to the seminary and what his plans are for this summer. Founded in 1795, the Basilica of Saint Mary in Old Town Alexandria is the first Catholic parish established in Virginia. Pope Francis named the church a minor basilica on December 6, 2017 due to its important role in the growth of the Catholic Church in North America.
Alex Solsma interviews Tony Bennett, a seminarian for the Diocese of Arlington who will be spending his summer at the Basilica of Saint Mary for his summer assignment. Bennett describes his journey from working professionally as a pipefitter to entering the seminary. Founded in 1795, the Basilica of Saint Mary in Old Town Alexandria is the first Catholic parish established in Virginia. Pope Francis named the church a minor basilica on December 6, 2017 due to its important role in the growth of the Catholic Church in North America.
Janet Cantwell, Principal at the Basilica School of Saint Mary, will be retiring at the end of June. She has been in education for 35 years, including in her current role at Saint Mary's for the last 12 years. Alex Solsma talks with Mrs. Cantwell as she prepares for her retirement. Founded in 1795, the Basilica of Saint Mary in Old Town Alexandria is the first Catholic parish established in Virginia. Pope Francis named the church a minor basilica on December 6, 2017 due to its important role in the growth of the Catholic Church in North America.
Alex Solsma stops by to talk many things from life on the East Coast to small town gyms.Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/knightsofold)
Alex Solsma talks with Sister Emily Beata Marsh on this episode of the podcast. She is the National Vocations Director for the Daughters of Saint Paul and a member of their Alexandria Community. The Daughters of Saint Paul own and operate the Pauline Books and Media Store at 1025 King Street in Alexandria. Founded in 1795, the Basilica of Saint Mary in Old Town Alexandria is the first Catholic parish established in Virginia. Pope Francis named the church a minor basilica on December 6, 2017 due to its important role in the growth of the Catholic Church in North America.
Vocation Story Series - Father Andrew Haissig National Vocation Awareness Week is November 4-10, 2018. We will promote priestly vocations on our podcast by having our priests share their vocation story and talk about their vocation to the priesthood. On this edition, Alex Solsma talks with Parochial Vicar Father Andrew Haissig. Founded in 1795, the Basilica of Saint Mary in Old Town Alexandria is the first Catholic parish established in Virginia. Pope Francis named the church a minor basilica on December 6, 2017 due to its important role in the growth of the Catholic Church in North America.
Vocation Story Series - Father Edward Hathaway National Vocation Awareness Week is November 4-10, 2018. We will promote priestly vocations on our podcast by having our priests share their vocation story and talk about their vocation to the priesthood. On this edition, Alex Solsma talks with Basilica Rector Father Edward Hathaway. Founded in 1795, the Basilica of Saint Mary in Old Town Alexandria is the first Catholic parish established in Virginia. Pope Francis named the church a minor basilica on December 6, 2017 due to its important role in the growth of the Catholic Church in North America.
In the fifth episode of The Basilica of Saint Mary Podcast, Alex Solsma starts by talking to Ancient Order of Hibernians President Terry Riley. He gives details about the movement to restore Colonel John Fitzgerald's name to Alexandria's new waterfront park. Alex then hears about some upcoming young adult events at the parish from Arragon Perrone, the Basilica's Director of Youth and Young Adults. Founded in 1795, the Basilica of Saint Mary in Old Town Alexandria is the first Catholic parish established in Virginia. Pope Francis named the church a minor basilica on December 6, 2017 due to its important role in the growth of the Catholic Church in North America.
In the fourth episode of The Basilica of Saint Mary Podcast, Alex Solsma begins by talking to Father Andrew Haissig, Parochial Vicar at the Basilica. (0:52-12:42) He serves as Spiritual Director for the Legion of Mary, so he describes the mission of the group. Alex then chats with Sara Schiedermayer, the Basilica’s new Assistant Director of Religion Education. (12:57-28:43) She talks about how she grew deeper in her Catholic faith while a student at the University of Wisconsin and why she decided to work as a religious educator in Alexandria. Founded in 1795, the Basilica of Saint Mary in Old Town Alexandria is the first Catholic parish established in Virginia. Pope Francis named the church a minor basilica on December 6, 2017 due to its important role in the growth of the Catholic Church in North America.
In the third episode of The Basilica of Saint Mary Podcast, Alex Solsma talks with Father Edward Hathaway, the Rector of the Basilica. (1:00-10:26) They recap last week’s Mass with Bishop Burbidge and discuss the new renovations to the Basilica’s sanctuary. The renovations include reinstalling an altar rail. After that, Alex chats with Jim Larocco of the Basilica’s Saint Vincent de Paul Society. (10:43-26:40) He describes what the group does to assist the poor in our area. Founded in 1795, the Basilica of Saint Mary in Old Town Alexandria is the first Catholic parish established in Virginia. Pope Francis named the church a minor basilica on December 6, 2017 due to its important role in the growth of the Catholic Church in North America.
In the second episode of The Basilica of Saint Mary Podcast, Alex Solsma talks with Father David Dufresne, who is a parochial vicar at the Basilica of Saint Mary. Father David shares his dramatic story of conversion. He was a member of a gang as a teenager, but he ultimately left that lifestyle and became a priest. Founded in 1795, the Basilica of Saint Mary in Old Town Alexandria is the first Catholic parish established in Virginia. Pope Francis named the church a minor basilica on December 6, 2017 due to its important role in the growth of the Catholic Church in North America.
In our inaugural edition of The Basilica of Saint Mary Podcast, Alex Solsma begins by talking to Basilica Rector Father Edward Hathaway (0:00-9:47) about an upcoming Mass with Bishop Burbidge at the Basilica and ongoing construction projects at the parish and school. Alex then chats with Louis DiCocco (9:47-21:24) of St. Jude Liturgical Arts Studio about their role in creating the Basilica's ombrellino and tintinnabulum. Founded in 1795, the Basilica of Saint Mary in Old Town Alexandria is the first Catholic parish established in Virginia. Pope Francis named the church a minor basilica on December 6, 2017 due to its important role in the growth of the Catholic Church in North America.
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