Podcasts about Basilica

Faith Matters is a weekly podcast for the Messenger newsletter of the Basilica School of Saint Mary, which gets distributed to Basilica School families. It features Father Edward Hathaway, the rector of the Basilica. In this week's episode, he shares about the importance of following the Beatitudes, as they are pathways to encounter happiness, conversion and holiness.  He also shared about some changes in the schedule of upcoming events, due to the frigid, icy weather:  + The Catholic Schools Week Family Mass has been rescheduled from this Sunday morning to Sunday, Feb. 22, at 8:30 a.m., and the viewing for the new, permanent display on Catholic education at the Basilica School has been rescheduled from this Sunday to Feb. 22 from 9:30-11 a.m.   + The Catholic Daughters' Family Bingo Night -- originally scheduled for this Friday evening, Jan. 30 -- has been rescheduled to occur on Saturday, February 28, at the Basilica School gym from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.  

The magnificent Basilica of St. Peter is our last stop as we explore the extraordinary collection of art and architecture in the Vatican. In addition to its great scale and beautiful decorum, the basilica is also home to renowned masterpieces such as Michelangelo's "Pietà" and Bernini's "Baldacchino," as well as the tombs of St. Pope John Paul II and St. Pope John XXIII.

Full Text of Readings The Saint of the day is Saint Marianne Cope Saint Marianne Cope's Story Though leprosy scared off most people in 19th-century Hawaii, that disease sparked great generosity in the woman who came to be known as Mother Marianne of Molokai. Her courage helped tremendously to improve the lives of its victims in Hawaii, a territory annexed to the United States during her lifetime (1898). Mother Marianne's generosity and courage were celebrated at her May 14, 2005, beatification in Rome. She was a woman who spoke “the language of truth and love” to the world, said Cardinal José Saraiva Martins, prefect of the Congregation for Saints' Causes. Cardinal Martins, who presided at the beatification Mass in St. Peter's Basilica, called her life “a wonderful work of divine grace.” Speaking of her special love for persons suffering from leprosy, he said, “She saw in them the suffering face of Jesus. Like the Good Samaritan, she became their mother.” On January 23, 1838, a daughter was born to Peter and Barbara Cope of Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany. The girl was named after her mother. Two years later the Cope family emigrated to the United States and settled in Utica, New York. Young Barbara worked in a factory until August 1862, when she went to the Sisters of the Third Order of Saint Francis in Syracuse, New York. After profession in November of the next year, she began teaching at Assumption parish school. Saint Marianne Cope held the post of superior in several places and was twice the novice mistress of her congregation. A natural leader, three different times she was superior of St. Joseph's Hospital in Syracuse, where she learned much that would be useful during her years in Hawaii. Elected provincial in 1877, Saint Marianne Cope was unanimously re-elected in 1881. Two years later the Hawaiian government was searching for someone to run the Kakaako Receiving Station for people suspected of having leprosy. More than 50 religious communities in the United States and Canada were asked. When the request was put to the Syracuse sisters, 35 of them volunteered immediately. On October 22, 1883, Mother Marianne and six other sisters left for Hawaii where they took charge of the Kakaako Receiving Station outside Honolulu; on the island of Maui they also opened a hospital and a school for girls. In 1888, Mother Marianne and two sisters went to Molokai to open a home for “unprotected women and girls” there. The Hawaiian government was quite hesitant to send women for this difficult assignment; they need not have worried about Mother Marianne! On Molokai she took charge of the home that Saint Damien de Veuster had established for men and boys. Mother Marianne changed life on Molokai by introducing cleanliness, pride, and fun to the colony. Bright scarves and pretty dresses for the women were part of her approach. Awarded the Royal Order of Kapiolani by the Hawaiian government and celebrated in a poem by Robert Louis Stevenson, Mother Marianne continued her work faithfully. Her sisters have attracted vocations among the Hawaiian people and still work on Molokai. Saint Marianne Cope died on August 9, 1918, was beatified in 2005, and canonized seven years later. Her life is a model of grace, service, kindness, and love. Saint Marianne Cope: Pray for us! Reflection The government authorities were reluctant to allow Saint Marianne Cope to be a mother on Molokai. Thirty years of dedication proved their fears unfounded. God grants gifts regardless of human shortsightedness and allows those gifts to flower for the sake of the kingdom.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

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, he shares about the importance of Catholic education. The Basilica School will be celebrating Catholic Schools Week, which starts this Sunday.  Here is Pope Leo XIV's Apostolic Letter, called "Drawing New Maps of Hope," on the subject of Catholic education, which Father Hathaway mentions in this episode. To read it, please click here.  In other news, we hope you are able to join us at the March for Life on tomorrow, Jan. 23, as we travel by Metro to D.C. We will meet at the King Street Metro Station in Alexandria between 11:30-11:50 a.m. and leave on the train that leaves the station close to 12 (noon). If you can't make it to the march in D.C., please join us in the Basilica church to pray with us as there will be a Holy Hour and a Rosary for Life from 11 a.m.-noon tomorrow.    Also, all Basilica School families are invited to join us for the 8:30 a.m. Mass on Sunday, February 1. Following that Mass, families are then invited to the school grounds for what will serve as our closing celebration of Catholic Schools Week. This gathering will include a light continental breakfast, tours of the new Christ Yesterday and Today exhibit -- a new, permanent display highlighting the history of Catholic education from 9:45 a.m. until 2 p.m. -- and time to visit the Book Fair.

Wednesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time IIJanuary 21, 2026 – Memorial of Saint Agnes, Virgin and Martyr  Hello and welcome to the Word, bringing you the Good News of Jesus Christ every day from the Redemptorists of the Baltimore Province. I am Fr. Karl Esker from the Basilica of our Lady of Perpetual Help in Brooklyn, NY. Today is Wednesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time and the Memorial of Saint Agnes, Virgin and Martyr. Our reading today is taken from the holy gospel according to Mark. Jesus entered the synagogue. There was a man there who had a withered hand. They watched Jesus closely to see if he would cure him on the sabbath so that they might accuse him. He said to the man with the withered hand, "Come up here before us." Then he said to the Pharisees, "Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?" But they remained silent. Looking around at them with anger and grieved at their hardness of heart, Jesus said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out and his hand was restored. The Pharisees went out and immediately took counsel with the Herodians against him to put him to death.The gospel of the Lord. Homily At the center of today's gospel is Jesus' question to the Pharisees: "Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?" The question concerned the man with the withered hand. He was someone Jesus could help and to not help him, even on the sabbath, would be to do evil. The whole purpose of the sabbath was to take time to give glory and praise to God. The whole purpose of Jesus' life and ministry was to give glory and praise to God through his preaching and life-giving acts of healing, forgiveness and reconciliation. At his baptism by John, God had declared Jesus his beloved Son in whom he was well pleased. By healing the man with the withered hand, Jesus was being faithful to whom he was and gave glory to God. The Pharisees probably had not witnessed Jesus' baptism or heard the voice from heaven. They did not recognize Jesus as the beloved Son of God; they simply saw him as a miracle worker doing forbidden work on the sabbath. Their dedication to the law and their power of interpreting the law blinded them to the law of charity. In the end their sense of dedication and power made them unfaithful to the very law they were trying to protect. In today's first reading we hear the story of David's defeat of the Philistine giant Goliath. In facing Goliath, David remained true to himself as a shepherd and to his faith in the God of Israel. By the grace of God, his sling and stone became more powerful than Goliath's armor and sword. David's defeat of the braggart Goliath is thrilling, as is Jesus' put-down of the smug Pharisees, but victory on the side of God often comes with a price. David would run afoul of king Saul's jealousy and the Pharisees would take counsel with the Herodians to put Jesus to death. Nevertheless, Jesus remained faithful to God his Father all the way to the cross and resurrection. We see the same in the life of St. Agnes, whose memory we celebrate today. She was a Virgin in the early Church who had pledged her life to Jesus Christ and believed in his promise of the resurrection. She preferred to serve the poor and attend to the widows and orphans in the Church than to get married. When the governor's son proposed marriage to her, she replied that Jesus Christ was her only spouse. The young man denounced her to his father for being a Christian. She was true to herself and cheerfully accepted being beheaded rather than betray her spouse Jesus Christ. Her example is remembered and honored to this day. Hopefully, none of us will have to face death for our faith in Jesus Christ, but there come moments in our lives when we have to choose between being true to ourselves as children of God by attending the needs of others or to give in to social pressure by excluding them from consideration. We celebrate the fact that the victory belongs to God who is always at our side and we ask St. Agnes to intercede for us that in those moments we place our trust in the God of mercy. May God bless you.   Fr. Karl E. Esker CSsR Basilica of our Lady of Perpetual Help Brooklyn, NY

Fluent Fiction - Hungarian: Chance Encounters: A Love Story Beneath Budapest's Basilica Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/hu/episode/2026-01-20-08-38-19-hu Story Transcript:Hu: Budapest téli esővel köszöntötte az új napot.En: Budapest greeted the new day with winter rain.Hu: A szél hidegen fújt végig az utcákon, hópelyhek keveredtek az esőcseppekkel, ahogy az emberek menedéket kerestek.En: The wind blew coldly through the streets, mixing snowflakes with raindrops as people sought shelter.Hu: A történelmi Szent István-bazilika impozáns állomása volt a város központjában, ahol néhányan meghúzódtak a hirtelen jött vihar elől.En: The historic Szent István-bazilika was a magnificent landmark in the city's center, where some found refuge from the sudden storm.Hu: Bence, egy csendes egyetemista, a történelem szerelmese, éppen a bazilika előtt sétált.En: Bence, a quiet university student and lover of history, was walking right in front of the basilica.Hu: Kezében egy könyv, mely az építészet világát tárta fel.En: In his hand was a book that unveiled the world of architecture.Hu: A hideg némaságát megzavarta a zuhogó eső, ami beűzte őt a templom impozáns ajtói alá.En: The cold silence was disrupted by the pouring rain, driving him under the church's imposing doors.Hu: Míg a párkány alatt menedékre lelt, maga elé meredt, lassan szemügyre vette az épület bonyolult díszítéseit.En: While he found shelter under the eaves, he gazed ahead, slowly examining the building's intricate decorations.Hu: Kívülről - régi idők titkokkal teli homlokzata - lenyűgözte őt.En: From the outside - its facade filled with secrets of old times - it captivated him.Hu: Ekkor érkezett Réka, egy talpraesett, vidám fotós, kamerájával a nyakában.En: Then arrived Réka, a resourceful, cheerful photographer with her camera hanging around her neck.Hu: Ruhájáról szivárgott a víz, mégis mosoly ült az arcán.En: Her clothes were soaked, yet a smile graced her face.Hu: Bár éppen most lépett ki egy kapcsolatból, mindig nyitott maradt az új élményekre, különösen, ha azok fényképezéssel kapcsolatosak.En: Although she had just come out of a relationship, she remained open to new experiences, especially those related to photography.Hu: Amikor meglátta Bencét a lépcsőn, habozott.En: When she saw Bence on the stairs, she hesitated.Hu: A múlt fájdalmai még mindig kísértették, de a kíváncsiság vezette őt.En: Past pains still haunted her, but curiosity led her on.Hu: A két fiatal véletlenül találkozott a templom csendes árnyékában.En: The two young people met by chance in the silent shadow of the church.Hu: Bence összeszedte a bátorságát, és óvatosan megszólította Rékát.En: Bence mustered the courage and carefully spoke to Réka.Hu: „Szép a bazilika, nem igaz?” - kérdezte lágy, mégis remegő hangon.En: “The basilica is beautiful, isn't it?” he asked in a soft but trembling voice.Hu: Réka meglepődött, majd szívesen válaszolt.En: Réka was surprised, then readily replied.Hu: „Igen, hihetetlen, mennyi részlet van akár csak egy domborműben is.”En: “Yes, it's incredible how much detail there is even in just one relief.”Hu: Beszélgetésük lassan, de biztosan mélyült.En: Their conversation slowly but surely deepened.Hu: Bence mesélt az épület történetének lenyűgöző elemeiről, miközben Réka nem csak kamerájával, de szívével is kezdte megörökíteni a pillanat különlegességét.En: Bence spoke of the building's fascinating historical elements, while Réka began to capture the moment's uniqueness not just with her camera, but also with her heart.Hu: Kiderült, hogy kettejük szenvedélye fonódik össze - az építészeti csodák felfedezése és azok művészi ábrázolása.En: It became apparent that their passions intertwined – the discovery of architectural wonders and their artistic portrayal.Hu: Ahogy az eső elállt, a nap előbújt a felhők mögül.En: As the rain subsided, the sun peeked out from behind the clouds.Hu: A bazilika fénye újra ragyogni kezdett, és úgy tűnt, a két fiatal is felragyogott.En: The basilica's light began to shine again, and it seemed the two young people did as well.Hu: Döntöttek: együtt folytatják.En: They made a decision: to continue together.Hu: Új városi kalandokat terveztek, séta közben új ötleteket vitatva meg, hogy miként tudnák ötvözni Bence tudását és Réka kreativitását.En: They planned new urban adventures, discussing new ideas as they walked, on how they could combine Bence's knowledge with Réka's creativity.Hu: Zsófia, Réka közeli barátja, tanácsokkal látta el, hogy ne féljen nyitni új emberek felé.En: Zsófia, Réka's close friend, advised her not to be afraid to open up to new people.Hu: „Adj esélyt magadnak, és meglátod, mi történik” - mondta mindig.En: “Give yourself a chance, and see what happens,” she always said.Hu: A bazilika lépcsőit elhagyva, Bence és Réka egymásra pillantottak, tudva, hogy egy új fejezet veszi kezdetét.En: Leaving the basilica stairs, Bence and Réka glanced at each other, knowing that a new chapter was beginning.Hu: A hideg tél közepén melegséget leltek egy váratlan beszélgetésben, s az előttük álló közös úton.En: In the middle of the cold winter, they found warmth in an unexpected conversation and on the shared path ahead. Vocabulary Words:greeted: köszöntötteraindrops: esőcseppekrefuge: menedékunveiled: tárta felintricate: bonyolultresourceful: talpraesettsoaked: szivárgottmustered: összeszedtetrembling: remegőrelief: domborműfascinating: lenyűgözőcaptivated: lenyűgözteportrayal: ábrázolásasubsided: elálltpeeked: előbújtadvised: tanácsokkal látta elhesitated: habozottcuriosity: kíváncsiságexamining: szemügyre vetteurban: városiadventures: kalandokatintertwined: fonódik összeimposing: impozánsfacade: homlokzatahaunted: kísértettékunexpected: váratlanamid: közepénchapter: fejezeteaves: párkányglanced: pillantottak

Full Text of Readings The Saint of the day is Saint Sebastian Saint Sebastian's Story Almost nothing is historically certain about Sebastian except that he was a Roman martyr, was venerated in Milan even in the time of Saint Ambrose and was buried on the Appian Way, probably near the present Basilica of St. Sebastian. Devotion to him spread rapidly, and he is mentioned in several martyrologies as early as 350. The legend of Saint Sebastian is important in art, and there is a vast iconography. Scholars now agree that a pious fable has Sebastian entering the Roman army because only there could he assist the martyrs without arousing suspicion. Finally he was found out, brought before Emperor Diocletian and delivered to Mauritanian archers to be shot to death. His body was pierced with arrows, and he was left for dead. But he was found still alive by those who came to bury him. He recovered, but refused to flee. One day he took up a position near where the emperor was to pass. He accosted the emperor, denouncing him for his cruelty to Christians. This time the sentence of death was carried out. Sebastian was beaten to death with clubs. He was buried on the Appian Way, close to the catacombs that bear his name. Reflection The fact that many of the early saints made such a tremendous impression on the Church—awakening widespread devotion and great praise from the greatest writers of the Church—is proof of the heroism of their lives. As has been said, legends may not be literally true. Yet they may express the very substance of the faith and courage evident in the lives of these heroes and heroines of Christ.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai to university students at Ernescliff College, Toronto, on January 16, 2026.The account of the paralytic lowered by his friends in front of Jesus.Mark 2:1-12: When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to him a paralysed man carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralysed man lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralysed man, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.' Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, ‘Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?' Many souls seek to come closer to Jesus. How can we place them in front of Jesus?Thumbnail: Mosaic from the Basilica of Sant'Apolinnare in Nuovo, Ravenna, 5th century.Music: Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. Angelic Choir, with licence

Krakow .  Welcome back to the  Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide podcast. A few weeks ago, I returned from a 90-day journey around the world, and I'm excited to connect with fellow travelers and share experiences.   Today, we will discuss Krakow, Poland, and when to admit you are not ready for a trip. We will discuss passports and then my travel mistakes. Get ready now, as we are starting.   The FAQ is:  Marcia, who recently returned from a solo trip to Antarctica, asked: "At what point does a destination become a bad match for my solo senior travel — and how do I admit that early?"    Answer: I emphasize empowerment. I permit you to change course, leave early, or say "this isn't for me" without framing it as failure. A destination isn't "wrong" because it challenges you — but it is wrong if it consistently drains your energy, confidence, or sense of safety. If you find yourself constantly anxious, overly fatigued, or forcing yourself to "push through," just listen to your mind or body. Changing plans, leaving early, or choosing a different destination next time is not failure — it's wisdom. The goal of solo travel isn't endurance; it's fulfillment. And knowing when to pivot is one of the strongest travel skills you can develop. In Amsterdam, I had to change my destination frequently, which was challenging, but I managed to do so. One day, when I had some flexibility in my schedule, I scheduled a massage. I searched for "massage near me" and was delighted with the results. Sometimes that's all it takes for a new perspective.   60-second confidence challenge Your challenge today is to check your passport. That's right, take it out and open it up.   Do you have at least six months left on your passport? If not, you need to renew it.   If you like today's Confidence Challenge, my book series delves deeper into passport documents and solo travel for women. You can find the series at the link in the description.    See Book A for addressing this concern..  Find it on the website​​ at https://www.5stepstosolotravel.com/ or on Amazon. It's a multiple-part series. Today's special destination is Krakow, Poland   First, I'll talk about the things to see as a tourist, and then I'll share some 'off the regular' tourist ideas for you. It's interesting to learn that Poland is roughly the size of Texas. Historical tensions persist among Polish communities in neighboring Kazakhstan, Russia, and Germany. I've also heard about soldiers being sent from Siberia to Ukraine. The country underwent a significant change in 1989 when the Solidarity movement overthrew the socialist government. I reflected on the historical gravity of Auschwitz, where many lives were lost. Kraków, Poland, is one of Europe's most enchanting cities, renowned for its history, charm, and culture. Kraków offers a welcoming mix of walkable streets, accessible attractions, and heartfelt hospitality. Let's Explore the Old Town and Wawel Hill https://krakow.travel/en/55-krakow-main-market-square Start your morning in Rynek Główny, the Main Market Square — one of the largest medieval squares in Europe. It's mostly flat with smooth pathways, though some cobblestones can be tricky; use a slower pace or roll along the outer edges, which are more level, for those with mobility issues. In the center stands the Cloth Hall, filled with stalls selling amber jewelry, handmade crafts, and souvenirs. Elevators are available to reach the upper gallery, which houses the 19th-century Polish Art Museum. Nearby, the St. Mary's Basilica is famous for its hourly trumpet call from the tower. Inside, ramps and wide aisles make it accessible for most visitors. https://mariacki.com/en/   https://visitkrakow.com/kazimierz/   https://visitkrakow.com/guide-to-oskar-schindlers-enamel-factory-museum/     https://www.catholicapostolatecenter.org/blog/st-faustina-and-the-catholic-heritage-of-poland?   Travel Mistake to Avoid in Kraków included Eurail reservations.     Connect with Dr. Travelbest 5 Steps to Solo Travel website Dr. Mary Travelbest X Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Page Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Group Dr. Mary Travelbest Instagram Dr. Mary Travelbest Podcast Dr. Travelbest on TikTok Dr.Travelbest on YouTube In the news  

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, he shares about how this Sunday's Gospel reading connects with our Culture of Life mindset, which we can participate in during next week's National March for Life in Washington, D.C.  We hope you are able to join us at the March for Life on Friday, Jan. 23, as we travel by Metro to D.C. We will meet at the King Street Metro Station in Alexandria between 11:30-11:50 a.m. and leave on the train that leaves the station close to 12 (noon). If you can't make it to the march in D.C., please join us in the Basilica church to pray with us during a Holy Hour and Rosary for Life at 11 a.m. on Jan. 23. Also, Father Hathaway mentions the redesigned Project Rachel site, which you can access by going here: www.helpafterabortion.org This site has been thoughtfully created for women and men seeking help and healing after abortion, including those who may not yet recognize how unresolved pain is affecting their lives. It's intended to meet people where they are and invite them into the light of truth, so that we can accompany them toward healing in Jesus Christ through the Sacraments.  

Father Edward Hathaway, the Rector of the Basilica, shares a homily during the Baptism of the Lord. It was given in the Basilica on January 11, 2026.

The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent who fatally shot 37-year-old Renee Good on Wednesday morning has been identified through court documents from a June incident in Bloomington. NPR has confirmed that Jonathan Ross is the ICE officer who shot and killed Good as she was driving away from a group of agents on Portland Avenue.The Department of Homeland Security has not released Ross' name, but DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said that the same agent who killed Good had been dragged by a car in an incident last year. Hundreds of protestors marched down Lake Street Thursday night in a peaceful demonstration against ICE. The shooting this week is just the latest in a series of traumatic events in the state. Daniel Griffith is pastor and rector of the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis. He says the Twin Cities are dealing with collective trauma, following the assassination of state lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and the Annunciation school shooting. But he says it's important to maintain hope.

Fluent Fiction - Italian: From Doubt to Vision: Capturing San Marco's Timeless Magic Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/it/episode/2026-01-09-23-34-02-it Story Transcript:It: Giovanni e Luca camminavano lentamente verso la Basilica di San Marco.En: Giovanni and Luca walked slowly towards the Basilica di San Marco.It: Era inverno a Venezia.En: It was winter in Venezia.It: Una leggera nebbia avvolgeva la città.En: A light fog enveloped the city.It: L'aria era fredda, ma l'atmosfera del giorno dell'Epifania era calda e vivace.En: The air was cold, but the atmosphere of Epiphany Day was warm and lively.It: La piazza era piena di gente, turisti e locali, tutti affascinati dalla bellezza del luogo.En: The square was full of people, tourists and locals, all enchanted by the beauty of the place.It: Giovanni, uno studente di storia dell'arte, aveva un sogno.En: Giovanni, an art history student, had a dream.It: Voleva catturare l'essenza della basilica per la sua tesi.En: He wanted to capture the essence of the basilica for his thesis.It: Ma come poteva fare questo tra tanta gente?En: But how could he do this among so many people?It: La sua passione per l'architettura religiosa lo guidava, ma il suo cuore era pieno di dubbi.En: His passion for religious architecture guided him, but his heart was full of doubts.It: "Luca, guarda quanto è magnifica," disse Giovanni, indicando le grandi cupole e i mosaici dorati.En: "Luca, look at how magnificent it is," said Giovanni, pointing at the great domes and golden mosaics.It: "Come posso rendere giustizia a tutto questo nei miei disegni?"En: "How can I do justice to all this in my drawings?"It: Luca, il suo amico fidato, sempre pratico e positivo, rispose: "Giovanni, non pensare troppo.En: Luca, his trusted friend, always practical and positive, replied, "Giovanni, don't overthink it.It: Senti l'energia delle persone, lascia che ti ispiri."En: Feel the energy of the people, let it inspire you."It: Entrarono nella basilica.En: They entered the basilica.It: La luce dorata filtrava attraverso gli intricati mosaici, creando un'atmosfera magica.En: The golden light filtered through the intricate mosaics, creating a magical atmosphere.It: Nonostante il freddo esterno, l'interno sembrava vivo, vibrante con il mormorio di turisti e fedeli.En: Despite the cold outside, the interior seemed alive, vibrant with the murmuring of tourists and worshippers.It: Giovanni si sentiva sopraffatto.En: Giovanni felt overwhelmed.It: Guardava l'immensa bellezza intorno a lui e il suo cuore batteva forte.En: He looked at the immense beauty around him and his heart raced.It: "Non posso farlo, Luca.En: "I can't do it, Luca.It: È troppo grande."En: It's too big."It: Ma Luca non si arrese.En: But Luca didn't give up.It: "Giovanni, a volte l'imperfezione cattura la bellezza meglio di ogni altra cosa.En: "Giovanni, sometimes imperfection captures beauty better than anything else.It: Cerca un angolo tranquillo e inizia."En: Find a quiet corner and begin."It: Con Luca al suo fianco, Giovanni trovò un posto appartato.En: With Luca by his side, Giovanni found a secluded spot.It: Nonostante il trambusto, lì era calmo.En: Despite the hustle, it was calm there.It: Aprì il suo blocco da disegno, prese una matita e cominciò a schizzare.En: He opened his sketchbook, took a pencil, and began to sketch.It: All'inizio esitò, ma poi si lasciò trasportare dalla magia del momento.En: At first, he hesitated, but then he let himself be carried away by the magic of the moment.It: Mentre disegnava, qualcosa cambiò.En: As he drew, something changed.It: Si rese conto che non doveva catturare tutto perfettamente.En: He realized he didn't have to capture everything perfectly.It: Doveva solo esprimere ciò che sentiva.En: He only needed to express what he felt.It: E quella sensazione, quell'energia, era unica.En: And that feeling, that energy, was unique.It: Uscirono dalla basilica qualche ora dopo.En: They left the basilica a few hours later.It: Giovanni guardò Luca con un sorriso nuovo, più sicuro.En: Giovanni looked at Luca with a new, more confident smile.It: "Ho capito, Luca.En: "I understand, Luca.It: Non è la perfezione che conta.En: It's not perfection that matters.It: È la mia visione, la mia interpretazione."En: It's my vision, my interpretation."It: Luca sorrise, contento per il suo amico.En: Luca smiled, happy for his friend.It: "Lo sapevo.En: "I knew it.It: Sei bravo, Giovanni.En: You're good, Giovanni.It: Devi solo crederci."En: You just have to believe in it."It: E così, nel freddo giorno dell'Epifania, Giovanni lasciò la Basilica di San Marco non solo con un blocco di appunti, ma con una nuova fiducia in se stesso.En: And so, on the cold day of Epiphany, Giovanni left the Basilica di San Marco not just with a sketchbook, but with new confidence in himself.It: Aveva imparato che l'arte non riguardava solo il vedere ma anche il sentire e il vivere il momento.En: He had learned that art was not just about seeing but also about feeling and living the moment. Vocabulary Words:the fog: la nebbiathe atmosphere: l'atmosferathe square: la piazzathe domes: le cupolethe mosaics: i mosaicilively: vivacethe passion: la passionethe sketchbook: il blocco da disegnoto capture: catturarethe energy: l'energiathe beauty: la bellezzathe trust: la fiduciato overwhelm: sopraffareto inspire: ispirarethe intricate: gli intricatithe cold: il freddoto filter: filtrarethe murmuring: il mormorioto hesitate: esitareunique: unicathe thesis: la tesito express: esprimerethe vision: la visionethe corner: l'angoloto sketch: schizzareto doubt: dubitareto guide: guidarethe interpretation: l'interpretazionethe essence: l'essenzathe hustle: il trambusto

Father Peter Clem, a parochial vicar, shares a homily during the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord. It was given in the Basilica on January 4, 2026.

Faith Matters is a weekly podcast for the Messenger newsletter of the Basilica School of Saint Mary, which gets distributed to Basilica School families. It features Father Edward Hathaway, the rector of the Basilica. In this week's episode, he talks about the meaning of baptism as we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord on Sunday.  Father Hathaway also invites parishioners to advocate for the Culture of Life during the Virginia Pro-Life Day on Jan. 15 in Richmond. Meet with your legislators to advocate for life and against pending extreme and radical proposals to enshrine a virtually unlimited "fundamental right" to abortion in Virginia's constitution. If you can't make it to Richmond, please come to the Basilica on Jan. 15 to pray for the Culture of Life to prevail during a Holy Hour at 11 a.m. Bishop Burbidge is going, and he has released a video invitation. Here's the schedule of events: 7:30 a.m.: Doors open – Greater Richmond Convention Center (GRCC) 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.: Morning Program (GRCC) 9:00 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.: Walk to General Assembly Building (GAB) 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.: Meetings with legislators (GAB) 11:00 a.m.: Visits to Galleries – (GAB) 12:00 p.m.: Mass at St. Peter's Pro-Cathedral with Bishop Burbidgeand Bishop Knestout The Virginia Catholic Conference encourages all participants to register and attend virtual training on the evening of Thursday, January 8. More information, a social media tool kit for additional promotion, and registration are available at vaprolifeday.org.  

Fluent Fiction - Italian: A New Year's Revelation: Luca's Artistic Awakening Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/it/episode/2025-12-31-23-34-01-it Story Transcript:It: Piazza San Marco brillava sotto le luci scintillanti mentre la folla entusiasta si preparava a dare il benvenuto al nuovo anno.En: Piazza San Marco shone under the sparkling lights as the enthusiastic crowd prepared to welcome the new year.It: L'aria era fredda ma vibrante, ricca di risate e eccitazione.En: The air was cold but vibrant, filled with laughter and excitement.It: Tra la folla, Luca e Gianna camminavano lentamente, osservando il trambusto intorno a loro.En: Among the crowd, Luca and Gianna walked slowly, observing the hustle around them.It: Luca era un giovane artista, la cui mente era spesso divisa tra un desiderio ardente di libertà creativa e il timore di non essere all'altezza delle aspettative.En: Luca was a young artist, whose mind was often divided between a burning desire for creative freedom and the fear of not measuring up to expectations.It: I suoi genitori preferivano che lui cercasse un lavoro stabile, ma il suo cuore sognava tele e colori.En: His parents preferred that he look for a stable job, but his heart dreamed of canvases and colors.It: "Guarda quell'architettura!" esclamò Gianna, indicando la Basilica di San Marco.En: "Look at that architecture!" exclaimed Gianna, pointing to the Basilica di San Marco.It: "Non è magnifica? Immagina quanto lavoro ci è voluto per crearla."En: "Isn't it magnificent? Imagine how much work it took to create it."It: Luca annuì, affascinato ma ancora combattuto dentro di sé.En: Luca nodded, fascinated but still conflicted inside himself.It: "È splendida," rispose.En: "It is splendid," he replied.It: "Ma... non so se sarò mai capace di creare qualcosa di così imponente."En: "But... I don't know if I'll ever be capable of creating something so grand."It: Gianna si fermò e lo guardò negli occhi.En: Gianna stopped and looked him in the eyes.It: "Luca, sei un artista incredibile. Devi solo credere in te stesso. Stasera potrebbe essere la tua ispirazione."En: "Luca, you're an incredible artist. You just have to believe in yourself. Tonight might be your inspiration."It: Continuarono a camminare, circondati dalle decorazioni festive e dai profumi delle bancarelle di cibo.En: They continued walking, surrounded by festive decorations and the aromas from the food stalls.It: La musica si diffondeva nell'aria, e il tempo sembrava scorrere veloce.En: Music filled the air, and time seemed to fly by.It: Mentre si avvicinava la mezzanotte, la folla si radunò al centro della piazza.En: As midnight approached, the crowd gathered in the center of the square.It: I cuori battevano all'unisono mentre il conto alla rovescia iniziava: "Dieci, nove, otto..."En: Hearts beat in unison as the countdown began: "Ten, nine, eight..."It: Luca sentì un'energia crescere dentro di lui.En: Luca felt an energy growing inside him.It: Il cielo sopra la Basilica si illuminò di un arcobaleno di colori.En: The sky above the Basilica lit up with a rainbow of colors.It: I fuochi d'artificio dipingevano il buio con sfumature brillanti.En: Fireworks painted the darkness with bright shades.It: Gli occhi di Luca si spalancarono per la meraviglia.En: Luca's eyes widened in wonder.It: Tutti i dubbi svanirono, sostituiti da un'improvvisa chiarezza.En: All doubts vanished, replaced by sudden clarity.It: "Questo è ciò che voglio creare!" disse a Gianna con entusiasmo, indicando il cielo.En: "This is what I want to create!" he said to Gianna with enthusiasm, pointing to the sky.It: "Voglio trasmettere questa bellezza, questo momento di pura magia."En: "I want to convey this beauty, this moment of pure magic."It: Gianna sorrise, felice per lui.En: Gianna smiled, happy for him.It: "Allora fallo, Luca! Segui il tuo cuore."En: "Then do it, Luca! Follow your heart."It: Mentre la piazza si riempiva di applausi e la gente si abbracciava, Luca prese la mano di Gianna.En: As the square filled with applause and people embraced, Luca took Gianna's hand.It: "Sai, ho deciso. Voglio essere un artista, non importa cosa succeda."En: "You know, I've decided. I want to be an artist, no matter what happens."It: Gianna lo abbracciò forte.En: Gianna hugged him tightly.It: "Sempre al tuo fianco, qualunque cosa accada."En: "Always by your side, no matter what."It: Con la certezza di aver trovato la sua strada, Luca osservò i fuochi d'artificio svanire nel cielo, sicuro che il nuovo anno gli avrebbe portato nuove sfide e una miriade di colori da esplorare.En: With the certainty of having found his path, Luca watched the fireworks fade into the sky, sure that the new year would bring him new challenges and a myriad of colors to explore.It: La notte finì, ma l'avventura di Luca era appena iniziata.En: The night ended, but Luca's adventure was just beginning. Vocabulary Words:the crowd: la follasparkling: scintillantienthusiastic: entusiastato welcome: dare il benvenutovibrant: vibrantelaughter: risateexcitement: eccitazionethe hustle: il trambustothe desire: il desideriothe fear: il timoreexpectations: le aspettativecanvases: teleto dream: sognarethe architecture: l'architetturato imagine: immaginareto create: crearemagnificent: magnificato believe: crederethe inspiration: l'ispirazionethe decorations: le decorazionithe aromas: i profumifood stalls: bancarelle di ciboto gather: radunarsithe countdown: il conto alla rovesciaunison: all'unisonothe rainbow: l'arcobalenothe fireworks: i fuochi d'artificiowonder: meravigliato convey: trasmetterethe applause: gli applausi

When the white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney Thursday evening, Fr. Roger Landry, like millions around the world, waited to see who among the 133 cardinals had just become the 267th successor to St. Peter. He knew to listen for the Latin version of the Cardinal's birth name in order to translate to a media outlet. He knew there were only four Cardinals with the first name Robert. But he was listening for "Petrus," but instead, he heard Robertus... And was shocked! This is the drama that unfolded in St. Peter's Square as tens of thousands packed into the piazza and the Via della Consilienza, cheered as the Basilica's bells peeled with joy, knowing Habemus Papem, "We have a Pope!" On this episode of the Lighthouse Faith podcast, Lauren reflects on her journey to Rome, Italy, covering the momentous event when the first American-born pope had just been elected. Fr. Landry, the National Director of Pontifical Mission Societies USA, discusses the moment that captivated the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fluent Fiction - Hungarian: Basilica Harmony: A Christmas Eve of Courage & Friendship Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/hu/episode/2025-12-28-08-38-20-hu Story Transcript:Hu: Karácsony este előtt a gyertyák meleg fényével ragyogott Szent István-bazilika Budapest szívében.En: Before Christmas Eve, Szent István-bazilika shone with the warm glow of candles in the heart of Budapest.Hu: Odabent ünnepi díszek, fenyőkoszorúk és piros szalagok díszítették az oszlopokat.En: Inside, festive decorations, pine wreaths, and red ribbons adorned the columns.Hu: Az emberek gyűltek, a karácsonyi koncertet várva.En: People gathered, eagerly awaiting the Christmas concert.Hu: Minden évben a városi iskolák diákjai énekeltek itt, hogy megünnepeljék az ünnepet.En: Every year, students from the city's schools sang here to celebrate the holiday.Hu: András a sekrestye közelében állt, ahol a kórus készült.En: András stood near the sacristy, where the choir was preparing.Hu: Bár a hidegtől kissé átfagyott, tenyerét izzadság lepte.En: Though slightly frozen from the cold, his palms were sweaty.Hu: Minden évben ugyanaz a para.En: Every year was the same anxiety.Hu: Ő tehetséges énekes volt, de a közönség elé állni mindig megrémítette.En: He was a talented singer, but standing in front of an audience always terrified him.Hu: Ám most különösen fontos volt, hogy sikerüljön: szólót is kapott a "Csendes éj" című dalban.En: But now it was especially important to succeed: he had a solo part in the song "Silent Night."Hu: Kata, a kórus vidám vezetője, megérezte András félelmét.En: Kata, the cheerful leader of the choir, sensed András's fear.Hu: „Ne aggódj, András,” mondta mosolyogva.En: “Don't worry, András,” she said with a smile.Hu: „Együtt vagyunk itt. Te képes vagy rá!”En: “We're here together. You can do it!”Hu: Kata mindig is tudta, hogy Andrásnak szüksége van egy kis bátorításra.En: Kata always knew that András needed a bit of encouragement.Hu: A háttérben Zoltán állt, csendes és megfontolt.En: In the background stood Zoltán, quiet and thoughtful.Hu: Ő is részese volt a kórusnak, de ő inkább a zongoránál érezte magát igazán otthon.En: He was also part of the choir, but he felt truly at home at the piano.Hu: Bár nem szerette a figyelmet, észrevette András szorongását.En: Although he did not like attention, he noticed András's anxiety.Hu: „Talán segíthetek,” gondolta magában, de még nem döntött, hogyan léphetne elébe.En: “Maybe I can help,” he thought to himself, but hadn't yet decided how to step in.Hu: Ahogy közeledett a fellépés, András úgy érezte, mintha a világ súlya nehezedne rá.En: As the performance approached, András felt as if the weight of the world was pressing down on him.Hu: „Ha elfelejtem a szöveget... Mi lesz, ha mindenki kinevet?” gondolta magában.En: “What if I forget the lyrics... What if everyone laughs at me?” he thought to himself.Hu: Végül, mielőtt a koncert elkezdődött volna, félrevonta Katát.En: Finally, before the concert began, he pulled Kata aside.Hu: „Félek, hogy elrontom,” vallotta be halkan.En: “I'm afraid I'll mess up,” he admitted quietly.Hu: „András, nézd csak rám, meg tudod csinálni!En: “András, just look at me, you can do it!Hu: Csak annyi a dolgunk, hogy élvezzük az ének varázsát!” biztatta Kata határozottan.En: All we have to do is enjoy the magic of the singing!” encouraged Kata firmly.Hu: Az előadás elkezdődött, és a közönség tapsa betöltötte a templomot.En: The performance began, and the audience's applause filled the church.Hu: András elérkezett a szólójához, a szíve őrült tempóban vert.En: András approached his solo, his heart racing wildly.Hu: Az első néhány hangot tökéletesen énekelte, de hirtelen kihagyott egy sort.En: He sang the first few notes perfectly but suddenly skipped a line.Hu: Megtorpant.En: He hesitated.Hu: Ekkor Zoltán vette át a kezdeményezést.En: At that moment, Zoltán took the initiative.Hu: Hirtelen leült a zongorához, és elkezdte játszani a dallamot.En: He suddenly sat down at the piano and began to play the melody.Hu: András, meglepődve a hirtelen jött segítségen, újra énekelni kezdett.En: András, surprised by the sudden help, started singing again.Hu: Kata pedig közben bólintásokkal jelezte, hogy minden rendben lesz.En: Meanwhile, Kata nodded to indicate that everything would be alright.Hu: A zene lassan visszatalált a helyes ritmusra.En: The music slowly found its way back to the right rhythm.Hu: A végső akkord után a közönség felállva tapsolt.En: After the final chord, the audience gave a standing ovation.Hu: András megkönnyebbülve hajolt meg, míg Zoltán kissé zavartan, ám mosolyogva fogadta a gratulációkat.En: András, relieved, took a bow, while Zoltán, a bit embarrassed but smiling, accepted the congratulations.Hu: A koncert után András, Kata és Zoltán a templom előtt álltak, ahol a hó óvatosan szállingózott.En: After the concert, András, Kata, and Zoltán stood outside the church, where the snow was gently falling.Hu: András érzett valami újat, amit eddig még soha: önbizalmat.En: András felt something new, something he had never felt before: confidence.Hu: „Köszönöm, hogy hittetek bennem,” mondta a barátainak.En: “Thank you for believing in me,” he said to his friends.Hu: „És köszönöm, Zoltán.En: “And thank you, Zoltán.Hu: Nagyszerű voltál a zongorával,” tette hozzá.En: You were amazing on the piano,” he added.Hu: „Bármikor,” válaszolta Zoltán, kissé elpirulva.En: “Anytime,” replied Zoltán, blushing slightly.Hu: Most már mindannyian tudták, hogy a barátság és az együttműködés minden akadályt legyőzhet.En: Now they all knew that friendship and collaboration could overcome any obstacle.Hu: Szent István-bazilika karácsonyi énekei sokáig zengtek még az emberek szívében, ám a legnagyobb ajándék azon az estén a bizalom és a barátság volt.En: The Christmas carols of the Szent István-bazilika echoed in people's hearts for a long time, but the greatest gift that evening was trust and friendship. Vocabulary Words:basilica: bazilikaadorned: díszítettékwreaths: koszorúkgathered: gyűlteksacristy: sekrestyeanxiety: szorongástalented: tehetségesterrified: megrémítetteencouragement: bátorításthoughtful: megfontoltinitiative: kezdeményezésapplause: tapshesitated: megtorpantmelody: dallamaffected: érzettchords: akkordokfear: félelemembarrassed: zavartanovation: ünneplésovercome: legyőzconfidence: önbizalomcollaboration: együttműködéstrust: bizalomechoed: zengtekattend: részesecongratulations: gratulációkpalms: tenyerétdistracted: félrevontaslightly: kissémeaningful: jelentőségteljes

The coronation of Charlemagne established the precedent for what later became known as the Holy Roman Empire and reinforced the idea of a Christian emperor as protector of the ...

Father Ed Broom, OMV, serves as Associate Pastor at St. Peter Chanel Church in Hawaiian Gardens, California. He is a member of the Religious Order, Oblates of the Virgin Mary, and was ordained by Saint John Paul II in St Peter's Basilica on May 25, 1986.  Fr. Ed is a Retreat Master and teaches Catholic […] The post THE BREAD OF LIFE appeared first on Fr. Ed Broom, OMV Oblates of the Virgin Mary.

Father Ed Broom, OMV, serves as Associate Pastor at St. Peter Chanel Church in Hawaiian Gardens, California. He is a member of the Religious Order, Oblates of the Virgin Mary, and was ordained by Saint John Paul II in St Peter's Basilica on May 25, 1986.  Fr. Ed is a Retreat Master and teaches Catholic […] The post BREAD OF LIFE appeared first on Fr. Ed Broom, OMV Oblates of the Virgin Mary.

Father Ed Broom, OMV, serves as Associate Pastor at St. Peter Chanel Church in Hawaiian Gardens, California. He is a member of the Religious Order, Oblates of the Virgin Mary, and was ordained by Saint John Paul II in St Peter's Basilica on May 25, 1986.  Fr. Ed is a Retreat Master and teaches Catholic […] The post CHRISTMAS CONTEMPLATION appeared first on Fr. Ed Broom, OMV Oblates of the Virgin Mary.

Father Ed Broom, OMV, serves as Associate Pastor at St. Peter Chanel Church in Hawaiian Gardens, California. He is a member of the Religious Order, Oblates of the Virgin Mary, and was ordained by Saint John Paul II in St Peter's Basilica on May 25, 1986.  Fr. Ed is a Retreat Master and teaches Catholic […] The post POVERTY AND DETACHMENT appeared first on Fr. Ed Broom, OMV Oblates of the Virgin Mary.

Father Ed Broom, OMV, serves as Associate Pastor at St. Peter Chanel Church in Hawaiian Gardens, California. He is a member of the Religious Order, Oblates of the Virgin Mary, and was ordained by Saint John Paul II in St Peter's Basilica on May 25, 1986.  Fr. Ed is a Retreat Master and teaches Catholic […] The post HUMILITY appeared first on Fr. Ed Broom, OMV Oblates of the Virgin Mary.

Father Ed Broom, OMV, serves as Associate Pastor at St. Peter Chanel Church in Hawaiian Gardens, California. He is a member of the Religious Order, Oblates of the Virgin Mary, and was ordained by Saint John Paul II in St Peter's Basilica on May 25, 1986.  Fr. Ed is a Retreat Master and teaches Catholic […] The post MARY AND THE VISITATION appeared first on Fr. Ed Broom, OMV Oblates of the Virgin Mary.

December 23rd, 2025 - We welcome back Mike Koeniger to discuss the rise of paganism in Britain. Then we're joined by Msgr. David LiPuma, pastor and rector of the stunning Our Lady of Victory National Shrine and Basilica. TheStationOfTheCross.com/ACT

Il viaggio da Ravenna a Parenzo - il secondo di Storia d'Italia - è stato dominato da un gioco: il campionato delle opere d'arte, vinto alla fine dalla Basilica di San Marco (per il rotto della cuffia!) Ma in questa puntata speciale abbiamo deciso di ripercorrere il viaggio con tutti gli ascoltatori, a caccia della risposta ad un quesito fondamentale: tra Ravenna, Pomposa, Venezia, Aquileia, Cividale, Parenzo...quale è la giornata più interessante? Riscoprite con noi cosa vuol dire divertirsi in compagnia di una banda di assatanati di storia, e scoprite il nostro punto di vista sul mausoleo di Galla Placidia, o l'altare di Ratchis, o l'inaspettate meraviglie di Pomposa e Parenzo. Su Spotify, disponibile anche la versione video con alcune immagini del viaggio. --- Viaggio in Turchia Vuoi anche tu unirti ad un viaggio di Storia d'Italia? Il prossimo sarà tra il 15 e il 24 maggio in Turchia! Programma: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Da ilio a Nuova Roma Per prenotare: scrivere a ⁠⁠⁠⁠info@italiastoria.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ e ⁠⁠⁠⁠yenen63@gmail.com ⁠⁠⁠ --- Per acquistare "Quando Venezia distrusse l'Impero romano": Versione cartacea: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Libro⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Versione ebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ --- Per acquistare gli altri miei libri: IL MIGLIOR NEMICO DI ROMA: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3DG9FG5⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  PER UN PUGNO DI BARBARI: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3l79z3u⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ FUMETTO "AMMIANO": ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.nubes.live/prodotto/ammianus-vesper-mundi/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Iscriviti alla mia mailing list: Link:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://italiastoria.voxmail.it/user/register⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ti piace il podcast? sostienilo, accedendo all'episodio premium, al canale su telegram, alla citazione nel podcast, alle première degli episodi e molto altro ancora: Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/italiastoria⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Tipeee: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://en.tipeee.com/italiastoria⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Altri modi per donare (anche una tantum): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://italiastoria.com/come-sostenere-il-podcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Altri link utili: Tutti i link su Linktree: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/italiastoria⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sito con trascrizioni episodi, mappe, recensioni, genealogie: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://italiastoria.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Pagina Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/italiastoria⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Gruppo Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/italiastoria⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/italiastoria/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/ItaliaStoria⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Father Ed Broom, OMV, serves as Associate Pastor at St. Peter Chanel Church in Hawaiian Gardens, California. He is a member of the Religious Order, Oblates of the Virgin Mary, and was ordained by Saint John Paul II in St Peter's Basilica on May 25, 1986.  Fr. Ed is a Retreat Master and teaches Catholic […] The post ST. JOSEPH appeared first on Fr. Ed Broom, OMV Oblates of the Virgin Mary.

Father Ed Broom, OMV, serves as Associate Pastor at St. Peter Chanel Church in Hawaiian Gardens, California. He is a member of the Religious Order, Oblates of the Virgin Mary, and was ordained by Saint John Paul II in St Peter's Basilica on May 25, 1986.  Fr. Ed is a Retreat Master and teaches Catholic […] The post CONDITIONS FOR COMMUNION appeared first on Fr. Ed Broom, OMV Oblates of the Virgin Mary.

Father Ed Broom, OMV, serves as Associate Pastor at St. Peter Chanel Church in Hawaiian Gardens, California. He is a member of the Religious Order, Oblates of the Virgin Mary, and was ordained by Saint John Paul II in St Peter's Basilica on May 25, 1986.  Fr. Ed is a Retreat Master and teaches Catholic […] The post MARY'S YES appeared first on Fr. Ed Broom, OMV Oblates of the Virgin Mary.

Fluent Fiction - Italian: A Christmas Heist at the Vatican: Trust, Redemption & Snow Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/it/episode/2025-12-18-23-34-02-it Story Transcript:It: Sotto il cielo coperto di stelle, la Basilica di San Pietro si innalzava maestosa.En: Under the sky covered with stars, the Basilica di San Pietro rose majestically.It: Il vento invernale portava con sé l'odore di incenso e il canto del coro che provava per la messa di Natale.En: The winter wind carried with it the scent of incense and the choir's singing as they rehearsed for the Christmas mass.It: Fiocchi di neve scendevano lenti, avvolgendo Città del Vaticano in un manto silenzioso.En: Snowflakes fell slowly, enveloping Città del Vaticano in a silent mantle.It: Gianni, il curatore del museo della Basilica, camminava nervosamente tra le colonne.En: Gianni, the curator of the Basilica's museum, walked nervously among the columns.It: Un importante manufatto era scomparso.En: An important artifact had disappeared.It: Il suo nome era sulla linea: il Crocifisso di San Paolo, un'antica reliquia valutata non solo per il suo valore storico, ma anche spirituale.En: His name was on the line: the Crocifisso di San Paolo, an ancient relic valued not only for its historical worth but also for its spiritual significance.It: Doveva ritrovarlo prima della Vigilia di Natale.En: He had to find it before Christmas Eve.It: Le autorità sembravano scettiche.En: The authorities seemed skeptical.It: Avevano i loro dubbi su di lui e Alessandro, il capo della sicurezza, non aveva fiducia nei suoi metodi.En: They had their doubts about him, and Alessandro, the head of security, did not trust his methods.It: Ma Gianni non poteva arrendersi.En: But Gianni could not give up.It: Aveva solo poche ore e una città intera da esplorare.En: He had only a few hours and an entire city to explore.It: "Francesco, ho bisogno del tuo aiuto," disse Gianni, osservando il suo amico d'infanzia con occhi disperati.En: "Francesco, I need your help," said Gianni, looking at his childhood friend with desperate eyes.It: Francesco era un uomo pratico, con una conoscenza profonda delle strade nascoste di Roma e un cuore grande.En: Francesco was a practical man, with deep knowledge of Rome's hidden streets and a big heart.It: "Gianni, lo sai che non posso rifiutarti.En: "Gianni, you know I can't refuse you.It: Da dove iniziamo?"En: Where do we start?"It: chiese Francesco.En: Francesco asked.It: "Hai sentito parlare di Lucia?"En: "Have you heard of Lucia?"It: Gianni abbassò la voce, preoccupato di essere ascoltato.En: Gianni lowered his voice, worried about being overheard.It: Lucia era sempre stata una sua avversaria.En: Lucia had always been his rival.It: Lavorava per una fondazione rivale e spesso metteva in dubbio le sue scelte.En: She worked for a competing foundation and often questioned his decisions.It: "Penso che possa saperne di più."En: "I think she might know more."It: La notte si infittiva mentre i due uomini si avviarono lungo un vicolo poco illuminato.En: The night deepened as the two men headed down a dimly lit alleyway.It: La neve scricchiolava sotto i loro piedi.En: The snow crunched beneath their feet.It: Fuori dalla basilica, il via vai di fedeli non si fermava.En: Outside the basilica, the comings and goings of the faithful did not stop.It: Era un labirinto di volti e ombre.En: It was a maze of faces and shadows.It: Finalmente, trovarono Lucia nel cortile laterale.En: Finally, they found Lucia in the side courtyard.It: Lei stava vicino a una statua, il respiro visibile nel freddo.En: She was standing near a statue, her breath visible in the cold.It: "Gianni," disse Lucia, alzando lo sguardo.En: "Gianni," said Lucia, looking up.It: "Sei qui."En: "You're here."It: "Sono venuto per l'artefatto."En: "I came for the artifact."It: Gianni avanzò, deciso ma incerto.En: Gianni stepped forward, determined yet uncertain.It: "Perché l'hai preso?"En: "Why did you take it?"It: Lucia sospirò, guardandosi intorno prima di rispondere.En: Lucia sighed, glancing around before answering.It: "Non è quello che pensi.En: "It's not what you think.It: L'ho preso per proteggerlo.En: I took it to protect it.It: Qualcuno stava tramando contro la Basilica.En: Someone was plotting against the Basilica.It: Volevano rubare un oggetto ancora più prezioso."En: They wanted to steal an even more precious object."It: Gianni fu colto di sorpresa.En: Gianni was caught by surprise.It: "Perché non dirlo subito?"En: "Why not say so immediately?"It: "Non potevo rischiare.En: "I couldn't take the risk.It: Le persone che cercano questi artefatti sono molto pericolose.En: The people seeking these artifacts are very dangerous.It: Dovevo proteggere l'artefatto a tutti i costi."En: I had to protect the artifact at all costs."It: Senza parole, Gianni capì che doveva fidarsi.En: Wordlessly, Gianni understood he had to trust her.It: Prese il crocifisso che Lucia gli porse.En: He took the crucifix that Lucia handed to him.It: In quel momento realizzò che la sfiducia stava accecandolo.En: At that moment, he realized that distrust had been blinding him.It: La vigilia di Natale, Gianni restituì il Crocifisso di San Paolo al suo posto.En: On Christmas Eve, Gianni returned the Crocifisso di San Paolo to its place.It: Mentre si avvicinava l'ora della messa, nel suo cuore c'era pace.En: As the hour of the mass approached, there was peace in his heart.It: Aveva imparato una lezione importante: le cose non sono sempre come sembrano.En: He had learned an important lesson: things are not always as they seem.It: Quando le campane suonarono, Gianni e Francesco si unirono alla folla per celebrare.En: When the bells rang, Gianni and Francesco joined the crowd to celebrate.It: La neve continuava a cadere dolcemente, portando con sé un messaggio di nuova comprensione e fiducia.En: The snow continued to fall gently, bringing with it a message of new understanding and trust.It: Natale era salvo, e con esso, una nuova amicizia fioriva sotto il cielo stellato di Roma.En: Christmas was saved, and with it, a new friendship blossomed under the starry sky of Rome. Vocabulary Words:the curator: il curatoremajestically: maestosaincense: incensothe artifact: l'artefattothe relic: la reliquiaskeptical: scettichetrust: fiduciato give up: arrendersito explore: esplorarethe maze: il labirintofateful: fedelithe heart: il cuorethe breath: il respirothe courtyard: il cortilethe statue: la statuato advance: avanzaresuspicious: sospiròto risk: rischiaredangerous: pericoloseto protect: proteggereto blind: accecandolothe mass: la messato approach: avvicinavathe bell: le campaneto celebrate: celebraregently: dolcementeto blossom: fiorivathe understanding: la comprensionethe doubt: i dubbithe rival: l'avversaria

Friends of the Rosary,On Dec. 12, Pope Leo XIV, over his first Mass on the solemnity of Our Lady of Guadalupe in St. Peter's Basilica, recalled that Mary brings “that joy wherever human joy is insufficient, wherever the wine has run out.” “At Tepeyac, the Virgin Mary “awakened in the inhabitants of America the joy of knowing God loves them.” Thus, amidst ceaseless conflicts, injustices, and sorrows that seek relief,” Mary of Guadalupe proclaims the core of her message: 'Am I not here, I who am your mother?”“It is the voice,” the pope continued, “that echoes the promise of divine fidelity, the presence that sustains us when life becomes unbearable.”The pope then focused his message on Our Lady of Guadalupe's motherhood. Before her image, he expressed his desire that the faithful might feel like “true children of yours,” and he asked for her guidance to maintain their faith “when strength fails and shadows grow.”He also prayed to the Virgin for young people, “that they may obtain from Christ the strength to choose what is good and the courage to remain steadfast in the faith, even when the world pushes them in another direction.” Ave MariaCome, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠December 16, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

Father John Meyerhofer, a parochial vicar, shares a homily during the Third  Sunday in Advent. It was given in the Basilica on December 14, 2025.

Fluent Fiction - Italian: Venezia's Hidden Christmas: A Gondolier's Secret Journey Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/it/episode/2025-12-14-23-34-02-it Story Transcript:It: Le luci di Natale brillavano sopra i canali di Venezia, riflettendosi sull'acqua gelida.En: The Christmas lights shone above the canals of Venezia, reflecting on the icy water.It: L'aria era fresca, e l'odore del mare si mescolava con quello delle caldarroste vendute dai venditori ambulanti.En: The air was fresh, and the smell of the sea mixed with that of roasted chestnuts sold by street vendors.It: Era Natale, e la città sembrava una cartolina vivente.En: It was Christmas, and the city seemed like a living postcard.It: Tra quelle acque, Luca remava con grazia e passione.En: Among those waters, Luca rowed with grace and passion.It: Non era un semplice gondoliere; era un custode delle tradizioni veneziane, e oggi aveva una missione speciale: mostrare a Chiara, una turista di Milano, la vera magia di Venezia.En: He wasn't just a simple gondolier; he was a guardian of Veneziana traditions, and today he had a special mission: to show Chiara, a tourist from Milano, the true magic of Venezia.It: Chiara indossava un caldo cappotto rosso e un cappello di lana bianco, osservando con meraviglia il panorama.En: Chiara wore a warm red coat and a white wool hat, observing the scenery with wonder.It: Era affascinata dalla città: i suoi ponti, le sue minuscole piazze, i palazzi antichi.En: She was fascinated by the city: its bridges, its tiny squares, the ancient palaces.It: "Venire a Venezia a Natale è un sogno", disse con un sorriso.En: "Coming to Venezia at Christmas is a dream," she said with a smile.It: Ma mentre scivolavano attraverso i canali principali, folla e suoni commerciali riempivano l'aria.En: But as they glided through the main canals, crowds and commercial sounds filled the air.It: "Dov'è la vera Venezia?"En: "Where is the real Venezia?"It: si chiese Chiara ad alta voce.En: she wondered aloud.It: Luca la sentì e decise di cambiare rotta.En: Luca heard her and decided to change course.It: "Seguimi", le disse, remando verso canali meno conosciuti.En: "Follow me," he said, rowing towards lesser-known canals.It: Le strade si fecero silenziose, lontane dalle voci turistiche.En: The streets became quiet, far from the tourist voices.It: Passarono sotto ponti bassi e lungo calli segrete, dove il tempo sembrava essersi fermato.En: They passed under low bridges and along secret alleys, where time seemed to have stopped.It: Solo il suono dolce della gondola che tagliava l'acqua li accompagnava.En: Only the sweet sound of the gondola cutting through the water accompanied them.It: Improvvisamente, si fermarono sotto un piccolo ponte drappeggiato di luci dorate.En: Suddenly, they stopped under a small bridge draped with golden lights.It: "Qui," disse Luca, indicando le luci.En: "Here," said Luca, pointing at the lights.It: "È Venezia che pochi vedono.En: "This is the Venezia few see.It: È questo il Natale autentico, lontano dalle folle."En: This is the authentic Christmas, far from the crowds."It: Nello stesso momento, le campane della Basilica di San Marco iniziarono a suonare in lontananza, creando una melodia che riempiva l'aria gelida della sera.En: At that moment, the bells of the Basilica di San Marco began to ring in the distance, creating a melody that filled the chilly evening air.It: Chiara si sentì sopraffatta.En: Chiara felt overwhelmed.It: In quel momento, capì che Venezia era più di una semplice attrazione turistica.En: In that moment, she understood that Venezia was more than a mere tourist attraction.It: Era un luogo di bellezza intima e storie antiche.En: It was a place of intimate beauty and ancient stories.It: "Grazie, Luca", disse con occhi luccicanti.En: "Thank you, Luca," she said with sparkling eyes.It: "Questo è il Natale più bello che abbia mai vissuto."En: "This is the most beautiful Christmas I've ever experienced."It: Luca sorrise, sapendo di aver condiviso qualcosa di speciale.En: Luca smiled, knowing he had shared something special.It: Non era solo un gondoliere; era un narratore delle meraviglie di Venezia.En: He wasn't just a gondolier; he was a storyteller of the wonders of Venezia.It: Chiara partì da Venezia con un cuore pieno di gratitudine e un profondo amore per la città, promettendo di tornare.En: Chiara left Venezia with a heart full of gratitude and a deep love for the city, promising to return.It: Mentre la gondola ritornava al molo, Luca guardò le stelle riflesse nell'acqua e pensò che, anche nel silenzio e nel freddo dell'inverno, l'anima di Venezia continuava a brillare.En: As the gondola returned to the dock, Luca looked at the stars reflected in the water and thought that even in the silence and cold of winter, the soul of Venezia continued to shine.It: I suoi sforzi per preservare l'autenticità veneziana non erano stati vani; una turista aveva visto la magia oltre le luci appariscenti, sentendo il vero spirito del Natale veneziano.En: His efforts to preserve Veneziana authenticity had not been in vain; a tourist had seen the magic beyond the flashy lights, feeling the true spirit of a Venetian Christmas. Vocabulary Words:guardian: il custodegondolier: il gondolierevendor: il venditorepostcard: la cartolinascenery: il panoramatiny: piccolecrowd: la follatourist: la turistabridge: il pontecommercial: commercialisecret alley: la calle segretabell: la campanamelody: la melodiaguardian of traditions: il custode delle tradizioniicy water: l'acqua gelidagrazia: gracewonder: la meravigliaintimate beauty: la bellezza intimaancient stories: le storie antichestar: la stellaauthenticity: l'autenticitàmagic: la magialiving postcard: una cartolina viventechilly evening: l'aria gelida della seragondola: la gondolasparkling eyes: gli occhi luccicantisea: il maretourist attraction: l'attrazione turisticareflection: il riflessopromise: la promessa

Inspired by a dream, Prince Charles of Provence ordered an excavation that uncovered a sarcophagus believed to contain the remains of Mary Magdalene on 12th December, 1279.  The evidence presented included a papyrus note, a sweet rose fragrance filling the air, a wax-covered tablet proclaiming Mary's identity, and even a piece of skin where Jesus supposedly touched her after his resurrection.  In this episode, Arion, Rebecca and Olly investigate how and why Mary may have ended up in France in the first place; recall the bout of ‘Magdalene mania' that gripped the mediaeval world; and explain why, for centuries, people said she was a sex worker…  Further Reading: • ‘How Early Church Leaders Downplayed Mary Magdalene's Influence' (HISTORY, 2019): https://www.history.com/news/mary-magdalene-jesus-wife-prostitute-saint • ‘The Skull and Bones of Mary Magdalene' (Atlas Obscura, 2013): https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/marys-house-in-provence • ‘Relics of St. Mary Magdalene in the Basilica of Saint-Maximin-la-Saint-Baume, France' (Pierre Repooc Productions, 2017): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pO8MQzApXvE This episode first aired in 2023 Love the show? Support us!  Join 

December 12th celebrates the annual Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, commemorating the Virgin Mary's apparitions to Saint Juan Diego in Mexico in 1531, where she requested a shrine be built on Tepeyac Hill, leaving her image miraculously imprinted on his cloak (tilma) as proof, making her Mexico's patron saint and a profound religious icon. Millions of pilgrims visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City annually, often crawling on their knees in devotion, marking a major religious and cultural event that starts the holiday season. Check out the YouTube version of this episode at https://youtu.be/w7zW2DCntoY which has accompanying visuals including maps, charts, timelines, photos, illustrations, and diagrams. Historical Blindness podcast available at https://amzn.to/3MDYXUV Our Lady of Guadalupe books available at https://amzn.to/42QH8aS Mexico History books available at https://amzn.to/43dBlfv ENJOY Ad-Free content, Bonus episodes, and Extra materials when joining our growing community on https://patreon.com/markvinet SUPPORT this channel by purchasing any product on Amazon using this FREE entry LINK https://amzn.to/3POlrUD (Amazon gives us credit at NO extra charge to you). Mark Vinet's HISTORY OF NORTH AMERICA podcast: www.parthenonpodcast.com/history-of-north-america Mark's TIMELINE video channel: https://youtube.com/c/TIMELINE_MarkVinet Website: https://markvinet.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.vinet.9 Twitter: https://twitter.com/HistoricalJesu Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denarynovels Mark's books: https://amzn.to/3k8qrGM See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Read OnlineThen the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus.” Luke 1:30–31Of all the saints throughout the ages, none has proved to be as powerful an evangelist as the Mother of God. While on Earth, she lived a mostly hidden life, demonstrating the perfection of virtue to those closest to her. As a young mother, she cared daily for the needs of her divine Son, constantly pondering the mystery of His Incarnation as it unfolded before her eyes. Her love for her Son, lived out during Jesus' earthly life, overflowed from her Immaculate Heart and continues to do so today.After being assumed body and soul into Heaven, her work did not cease. As Queen of Heaven and Earth, she continues to intercede for her spiritual children, mediating the grace we need to grow in holiness. Throughout history, many Marian apparitions have been reported. While numerous reports have not been formally approved, some have, including the apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe in 1531 to Saint Juan Diego.Following the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire in 1521 by Hernán Cortés, the capital was rebuilt into what became Mexico City. Despite the cruelty some Spanish settlers inflicted on the Indigenous people, the Catholic Church, through missionaries and leaders, including Bishop Juan de Zumárraga, sought to protect their rights and dignity while evangelizing them. Many of the Indigenous were understandably suspicious of the missionaries, yet some converted, including a man named Cuauhtlatoatzin, who took the Christian name Juan Diego after his baptism, and his wife, who took the name María Lucía.On December 9, 1531, while walking to Mass and catechism class, Juan Diego passed Tepeyac Hill, where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to him. She spoke to him in his native language, revealed herself as the Mother of God, and asked for a chapel to be built in her honor on that very spot. When Juan took the message to Bishop Zumárraga, the bishop asked for a sign.On December 12, Juan's uncle fell seriously ill. While hurrying to find a priest for the Last Rites, Juan took a different route to avoid delaying his journey, but the Mother of God appeared again. She assured him that his uncle was already healed and provided the promised sign for the bishop. She instructed Juan to pick roses blooming unseasonably on the hill; when he brought them to the bishop in his tilma, an image of the Virgin, just as Juan had seen her, appeared on his cloak. Juan Diego's tilma now hangs in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, in Mexico City, fulfilling the Blessed Mother's request.While the miraculous image was awe-inspiring, what followed was even more astounding. Over the next decade, millions of Indigenous people embraced the Christian faith, marking one of the most remarkable mass conversions in Church history—all due to the Blessed Mother's evangelization and intervention. Her love for the Indigenous people and her desire for their salvation brought her to them personally, confirming the truth of the Gospel preached by the Church.As we honor Our Lady of Guadalupe, reflect today on the tender love of the Mother of God. She deeply desired the salvation of the Indigenous people, just as she desires the salvation of all. Pray for her intercession so that millions more around the world may hear and accept God's saving message. Most loving Virgin of Guadalupe, as you looked down from Heaven upon the struggles and suffering of the conquered people of the Aztec Empire, your Immaculate Heart overflowed with compassion for them. As a result, you went to them personally to share the saving message of Your Son. Please pray for me, for the Americas, and for all your children, that we all will be guided to Your Son and come to know His gift of salvation. Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us. Jesus, I trust in You.Main Image- Image via WikimediaFeatured Image - First Miracle of Our Lady of Guadalupe by Lawrence OP, license CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

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, he talks about the importance of joy as we celebrate the Third Sunday of Advent this weekend. Join us for festive refreshments and the Basilica Christmas Tree lighting, along with the singing of Christmas carols, in the Parish Courtyard at 6 p.m. this Sunday, December 14th, and then afterwards, at 7 p.m., for Lessons and Carols in the church. This Sunday is also Bambinelli Sunday. All are invited to bring the baby Jesus from your Nativity set to be blessed at all the Masses, including the Saturday 5 p.m. Vigil Mass.  Coming up: Food donations for less fortunate Alexandria families can be dropped off on Thursday evening, December 18th, or Friday, December 19th, during the day in our Lyceum, as part of the Basilica's Christmas Dinner Basket Program. Click here for more information.   

Luc Tuymans talks to Ben Luke about his influences—from writers to musicians, film-makers and, of course, other artists—and the cultural experiences that have shaped his life and work. Tuymans, who was born in 1958 in Mortsel, Belgium, and lives and works in Antwerp, has transformed the territory of painting in the late 20th and 21st centuries. Using photographs and images from film and other media, he tackles a breadth of subjects and motifs, including contemporary politics, cataclysmic historical events, art history, and apparently banal everyday objects and environments, with paintings that are redolent with atmosphere and poetic power. Tuymans's process of finding the images and deciding how to transform them is slow and precise, and worked through in various stages before it reaches the canvas, where he makes the final piece in oil on a single day. In the resulting pictures, the motif can be veiled or oblique, and sometimes close to abstract, and he has used the term “authentic forgeries” to describe them. In this way, they articulate the elusiveness of representation through painting—a quality Tuymans has described as the medium's “belatedness”—as well as the subjective nature of experience and memory, both personal and collective. He discusses the early impact of Piet Mondrian and Léon Spilliaert, his ongoing admiration for Francisco de Goya, and his response to Théodore Gericault and Mark Rothko in recent series of paintings. He reflects on the importance of literature, including the writings of Thomas Pynchon, and film, especially the painterly approach of David Lynch. He gives insight into his studio life and his singular approach to image-making, and answers our usual questions, including the ultimate: what is art for? Luc Tuymans: The Fruit Basket, David Zwirner New York, until 19 December; David Zwirner, Los Angeles, 24 February-4 April 2026; Luc Tuymans, Basilica di San Giorgio Maggiore, Venice, Italy, until 22 February 2026. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, December 10th, the Church celebrates the optional memorial of Our Lady of Loreto, commemorating the miraculous Holy House that journeyed from Nazareth to Loreto, Italy. As Pope Francis officially inscribed it into the General Roman Calendar in 2019, this feast reminds us of the profound mystery of the Incarnation and the sanctity of the Holy Family. Tradition tells us that angels transported Mary's childhood home to protect it during the Crusades. Historical sources, including the 1913 Catholic Encyclopedia, note that the stones match those from Nazareth, with Greek and Hebrew inscriptions confirming its origin (Catholic Encyclopedia, 1913).The Holy House, now enshrined in the Basilica della Santa Casa, is not merely a relic but a living icon of God's presence, where the Word became flesh. Fr. Chris reflects on the domestic church, the family, and our responsibility to teach and live the faith at home: “Are you teaching your faith in your home? Are you living the virtues of our faith?” (DH 12/10). Just as Mary and Joseph nurtured Jesus in their household, parents today are called to instill faith, hope, and love within their families.Our Lady of Loreto is also the patroness of aviators, a reminder that God's protection spans both the ordinary and extraordinary journeys of life. Fr. Chris shares how personal faith is nurtured by fathers and spiritual mentors, highlighting the transformative power of guidance, prayer, and example. In a society where the family is under attack, turning to the Holy Family and Our Lady of Loreto offers protection, inspiration, and hope for every household. Let us pray for our families, asking Mary and Joseph to guide, protect, and bless them, especially during this Christmas season. ★ Support this podcast ★

Friends of the Rosary,Today, God loves humanity — every one of us — in His terms, in an irrational, exuberant way that defies our limited logic. This is how the divine mercy runs the universe to our joy.We read today (Matthew 18:12–14) how Jesus tests his disciples:“What is your opinion?If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray,will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hillsand go in search of the stray?And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over itthan over the ninety-nine that did not stray.In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Fatherthat one of these little ones be lost.”No shepherd on earth would behave that way. They would cut their losses, considering that the lost sheep is probably dead.The Good Shepherd is different. He goes to seek out the lost sheep. And that's good news. The Father and the Son love us unconditionally… in our imperfection.Today, the Church in the United States celebrates the Optional Memorial of St. Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin (1474-1548), an Indian convert, to whom the Virgin Mary appeared as he was going to Mass in Tlatlelolco, Mexico.Our Lady asked him that she desired a shrine to be built on the spot to manifest her love for all mankind. That would be the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas.Ave MariaCome, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• December 9, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

The Basilica of St. Mary Institute for Faith and Culture Presents: Beauty and the Beast, an Exploration of the Power of Beauty  Part 1 of 5 With Fr. James Searby  This first episode of Beauty and the Beast opens with one of the most unforgettable scenes in The Shawshank Redemption, where a single piece of music breaks open a prison and reminds hardened men that their souls are still alive. From there, we explore what beauty actually does to the human heart, why it stirs hope, and how it can lift us beyond the walls of our own routine and cynicism. Drawing on art history, architecture, philosophy, childhood wonder, and everyday encounters with beauty, Fr. James Searby lays out the story of how our culture drifted from a world shaped by transcendent beauty into a landscape that often feels flat and utilitarian. More importantly, he shows why beauty matters now more than ever, and how it can become an entry point for renewal, depth, and authentic encounter with God. This episode sets the foundation for the whole series, inviting you to slow down, look again, and rediscover the freedom and hope that beauty awakens in every soul.

The Basilica of St. Mary Institute for Faith and Culture Presents: Beauty and the Beast, an Exploration of the Power of Beauty, Part 2 With Fr. James Searby  In this second episode of Beauty and the Beast, we step deeper into the story itself and uncover why this simple tale carries so much spiritual and human truth. Fr. James Searby explores the opening arc of the Beast, not as a children's plot point, but as a mirror of our own culture's drift into subjectivism, hurry, and the loss of virtue. Drawing from the older French versions of the tale, the golden age of Disney storytelling, and the wisdom of Aquinas, Balthasar, Plato, John Paul II, Simone Weil, and more, he shows how beauty forms the soul and why its absence slowly makes us less human. Belle's contemplative posture in a frantic village becomes a lesson in resisting the rush of modern life, while the Beast's curse reveals what happens when we turn inward and forget who we are. This episode opens up the rose, the mirror, the meaning of enchantment, and the hard truth that love and beauty both require us to slow down and see reality again. It's a thoughtful, richly layered conversation that will change the way you watch the film and the way you understand your own hunger for what is beautiful, noble, and true.

The Basilica of St. Mary Institute for Faith and Culture Presents: Beauty and the Beast, an Exploration of the Power of Beauty, Part 3 With Fr. James Searby  In this third episode of Beauty and the Beast, Fr. James Searby takes us into the heart of why beauty matters so deeply, not only artistically, but spiritually and morally. This class looks at the collision between a culture shaped by modern narcissism and a Christian vision where beauty, truth, and goodness are real, objective, and radiant. Using the story of Beauty and the Beast as a lens, he explores how our hurried, self-referential age blinds us to beauty and slowly disconnects us from what makes us human. From the sacramental meaning of the body to the power of the Eucharist, from Freud's mirror to Milton's Satan, from Gaston's hollow charm to the Beast's slow awakening, this episode traces how distraction and self-creation deform the soul, and how beauty becomes the doorway back to reality. With help from Aquinas, Balthasar, Scruton, Simone Weil, John Paul II, and classic stories like The Sound of Music, Babette's Feast, and This Beautiful Fantastic, we learn how to train the eye, the heart, and the imagination to recognize real beauty again. This episode is both an unflinching diagnosis of our cultural moment and a hopeful call to rediscover the contemplative life that heals, restores, and opens us to God.

The Basilica of St. Mary Institute for Faith and Culture Presents: Beauty and the Beast, an Exploration of the Power of Beauty, Part 4 With Fr. James Searby  In this fourth class of Beauty and the Beast, we explore beauty as communion, the way beauty draws us out of isolation and into relationship. Through Maurice's tenderness, Belle's self-giving, and the gradual healing of the Beast's house, Fr. James Searby shows how beauty creates openness, vulnerability, and shared life. Drawing on Scruton, Simone Weil, Martha Graham, theatre, liturgy, and the communal nature of art, this episode traces how beauty breaks self-enclosure, makes space for others, and restores what fear and hurry have disordered. It also looks at the danger of cultural elitism in the arts and why beauty belongs to everyone, not to a select few. At its heart, this class reveals how beauty invites us into a deeper communion with God and one another, preparing the way for next week's theme of beauty as contemplation.

The Basilica of St. Mary Institute for Faith and Culture Presents: Beauty and the Beast, an Exploration of the Power of Beauty, Part 5 of 5 With Fr. James Searby  In this final class of Beauty and the Beast, we look at the tale's two feasts to understand beauty as a path back to communion, meaning, and sacramentality. The tavern scene becomes a picture of the ego- loud, empty, and isolating, while "Be Our Guest" reveals what self-giving love looks like when a community pours itself out in joy. From there, Fr. James Searby explores the vocation of the artist, the vulnerability of real creativity, and the way beauty acts almost like a sacramental, opening the soul to grace. This class traces the larger cultural story as well, from the Baroque renewal of the Church to the rise of modernity and postmodernity, and finally to our quiet rediscovery of wonder today. Using the fairy tale as a map, the episode shows how the loss of beauty disfigures a culture and how its return restores the human heart. At its center is the conviction that beauty heals, reveals, and reunites, and that when we allow ourselves to receive it, the beast in all of us begins to become whole again.

Rafe tells the tale of a the second part of a recent trip to France, with stops at the Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette and the Basilica of Our Lady of Fourvière (and other places!).The sun shines brighter, the birds sing sweeter, the food tastes better, when one is surrounded by beautiful things.*****As always, you can reach the Buf at bufnagle@bufnagle.com*****As you know, this is an independent podcast so your hosts also carry all the expenses of running this podcast. As such, some of you have asked how you can help out. Well, here's the answer: support us on Buy Me a Coffee:https://buymeacoffee.com/bufnagleOn this page, you can do a really nice thing like send us a couple dollars to help cover the cost of recording and hosting and microphones and research and all that. Any little bit really helps! Thank you in advance!!!

Father James Searby, a parochial vicar, shares a homily during the First Sunday in Advent. It was given in the Basilica on November 30, 2025.

The Basilica of St. Francis Xavier in Vincennes, Indiana, was the state's first Catholic church and first cathedral. During the American Revolution, it was also the home of the "Patriot Priest," Fr. Pierre Gibault.("Cradles of Catholicism" series, no. 46, Indiana)

Cardinal Robert Prevost made history earlier this year, when he became the first American pontiff to lead the Catholic Church. And when he stepped out onto the balcony of St Peter's Basilica as Pope Leo XIV, dressed in traditional papal robes, some conservatives in the church took it as a sign of a symbolic shift away from what they saw as the liberal drift of his predecessor the late Pope Francis. Francis, who had put social justice at the heart of his papacy, divided opinion. Some Catholics praised his stance on issues like same-sex blessings, whilst others claimed that he had abandoned tradition for wokeness. Now six months into his papacy, Pope Leo XIV is also coming under similar scrutiny, he's already been criticized by some Catholics from the Make America Great Again (Maga) movement in the United States for blessing a block of Greenland ice. Whilst on the issue of same-sex blessings, his stated intention is to continue the same course as Pope Francis, that the Church's teaching is not going to change on this issue.But though he may also be advocating diversity, equity and inclusion, Pope Leo XIV may not necessarily be a carbon copy of his predecessor. As he prepares for his first apostolic visit to Turkey and Lebanon, Pope Leo XIV already appears to be charting a more nuanced path, grounded in pastoral instincts rather than divisive politics. So, on The Inquiry this week we're asking, ‘Is the new Pope woke?'Contributors: Dr Massimo Faggioli, Professor in Ecclesiology, Loyola Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland Inés San Martín, Vice President of Communications, The Pontifical Mission Societies, New York, USA Christopher White, Author ‘Pope Leo XIV: Inside the Conclave and the Dawn of New Papacy', Associate Director, Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life, Georgetown University, Washington DC, USA Elise Ann Allen, Senior Correspondent for Crux, Author ‘Leo XIV: Citizen of the World, Missionary of the 21st Century', Rome, Italy Presenter: William Crawley Producer: Jill Collins Researcher: Maeve Schaffer Production Management Assistant: Liam Morrey Technical Producer: Craig Boardman Editor: Tom Bigwood(Photo: Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican in May 2025. Credit: Mondadori Portfolio/Getty Images)