From the Basilica to the Ballpark (The Drew Mariani Show)

Image via Joseph Hendrickson / Shutterstock   Drew Mariani chats with Fr. Rocky, CEO of Relevant Radio, host of the Family Rosary Across America, and a life-long Cubs fan... who braved the enemy grounds of the White Sox stadium for a holy purpose. He witnessed Pope Leo XIV deliver a powerful video message to a crowd of 30,000+ at a mega Catholic event that was pulled together in under a month.      Drew and Fr. Rocky both admitted it felt surreal to hear the Pope speak like someone from your neighborhood. Pope Leo sounded like your college theology professor or neighbor. It's amazing that he's from America!      🙌 Joy in the Ballpark   Here’s what the day was like:    🎶 Live music from the Leo High School Choir, who gave a goosebump-worthy Star-Spangled Banner.   😂 Adorable kids dressed as Swiss Guards and mini-Cardinals in a pretend conclave.   🎤 Fireside chats with people who knew Pope Leo personally from his days at Catholic Theological Union.   🕊️ And then… the moment: Pope Leo appeared on the big screen, dressed in white, calm and gentle, delivering a message that cut right to the heart.     💬 The Pope's Message:    🧡 “You can’t earn God’s love.” 😌 “Our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee.” -St. Augustine   His message was personal; it felt like he was talking right to you. And yes, you can read the message on the Relevant Radio app and website.     🛐 Mass, Community & the Joy of Being There   Fr. Rocky made a key point: we need each other. Sure, AI can deliver sermons, and you can livestream everything. But there’s no replacing real, tangible, human connection: the kind you get when 30,000 believers gather to celebrate the Eucharist in a ballpark. The joy was palpable.     🌱 A New Springtime in the Church?   Drew asked the big question: Is this the beginning of something? A revival? Fr. Rocky thinks so. He sees:   ✝️ Young people returning, stronger communities, and a deep hunger for Christ.   Father goes on to say that whether Pope Leo travels or stays close to Rome, what matters most is that he leads with clarity and love.     This event was a reminder. A holy nudge that God is moving... through joy and community.   Whether you’re a Cubs fan, a Sox fan, or just trying to find your way back to Mass… the invitation is clear:   👉 Open your heart. Let God’s love in. The rest will follow.       The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.