Basilica of Saint Mary Podcast

In today's episode, Dr. Nicolas McAfee gave a talk called "Thomas More: Augustinian Statesman." It was recorded in our Lyceum auditorium on May 12, 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, Fr. Hathaway shares about the importance of the Feast of the Ascension, which the Church celebrates on Sunday, May 17.  He also invites all parishioners to attend a special Feast of the Ascension Concert tonight May 14th, in the Basilica at 7 p.m. Click here to reserve your seats and to find out more. He also mentions the recent clergy changes. More information about that can be found here. Also, his 35th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood is on Monday, May 18. Click here for more information on that. 

Father Edward Hathaway, the Rector at the Basilica, shares a homily during the Sixth Sunday of Easter. It was given in the Basilica on May 10, 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, Fr. Hathaway shares about how to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary and how to grow in relationship with her during the month of May, which is dedicated to Our Lady. He also invites all parishioners to attend a special Feast of the Ascension Concert on Thursday, May 14th, in the Basilica at 7 p.m. Click here to reserve your seats and to find out more. Also, don't forget to honor your mother, grandmother, or godmother through our Mother's Day Novena of Masses by clicking here. 

Today's monthly series called "What Are the Sisters Reading?" continues with Sister Kathryn Hermes, FSP, sharing about the book called "Litanies of the Heart," by Gerry Ken Crete. In this book Dr. Crete offers you his knowledge, insights, and experience in the hopes that you will experience not only relief from anxiety but inner harmony, greater life fulfillment, and a deeper more intimate relationship with God. To check out more books on the Catholic faith and religious items of interest at the Pauline Books and Media Center at 1025 King Street in Alexandria, please click here.

Father James Searby, a Parochial Vicar, shares a homily during the Fifth Sunday of Easter. It was given in the Basilica on May 3, 2026.   

Deacon Sam Martinez, shares a homily during the Fourth Sunday of Easter. It was given in the Basilica on April 26, 2026.  

Father Christopher Goodwin, a visiting priest, shares a homily during the Third Sunday of Easter. It was given in the Basilica on April 19, 2026.

Dr. Nicolas McAfee, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science and Economics at Christendom College previews the May 12th 2026, conversation he will have at 7 p.m. in our Lyceum Auditorium (313 Duke St.) with Dr. Shaun Rieley, the Director of Educational Programs & Teaching Fellow at Hillsdale College's Washington, D.C., campus. Their topic is titled "Thomas More: Augustinian Statesman." Click here for more information. 

Transitional Deacon Samuel Martinez has been helping out at the Basilica since last September as part of his final year as a seminarian at Mount Saint Mary's Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland. His home diocese is the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Indiana, where he will be ordained on June 6, 2026. His last weekend helping out at the parish will be April 25-26, 2026. In this interview, he reflects on his time at the 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, Fr. Hathaway outlines the Easter Season and shares why it's important to live out the graces that follow Christ's resurrection in our homes and in our lives. He also invites parishioners to attend the Virginia March for Life with him in Richmond on Wednesday, April 22. Click here to reserve your seat(s) on the bus. 

Father Edward Hathaway, the Rector of the Basilica, shares a homily during Divine Mercy Sunday. It was given in the Basilica on April 12, 2026.

Father Edward Hathaway, the Rector of the Basilica, shares a homily during Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord. It was given in the Basilica on April 5, 2026.

Today's monthly series called "What Are the Sisters Reading?" continues with Sister Kathryn Hermes, FSP, sharing about her book called "Healing After Betrayal," which helps people find refuge in God's Word in the painful aftermath of a betrayal by someone you trusted. To check out more books on the Catholic faith and religious items of interest at the Pauline Books and Media Center at 1025 King Street in Alexandria, please click here.  

Father Edward Hathaway, the Rector of the Basilica, shares a homily during Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord. It was given in the Basilica on March 29, 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, Fr. Hathaway reminds us that Holy Week starts on Palm Sunday this weekend and shares an overview of what occurs over the course of Holy Week. He also introduces a recording that features Fr. James Searby and Fr. Ken Geraci, a Fathers of Mercy priest who recently led our parish mission, and their conversation, which offers practical advice for how married couples can pray for each other and their children. To listen to their entire conversation, click here. Click here to check out our Holy Week schedule. 

Father Edward Hathaway, the Rector of the Basilica, shares a homily during the Fifth Sunday of Lent. It was given in the Basilica on March 22, 2026.

In this episode, our special guests are Fr. James Searby, a parochial vicar at the Basilica, and Father Ken Geraci, a Fathers of Mercy priest, who recently led our parish mission. The topics they talked about ranged from practical marriage and family healing and prayer practices to the power of forgiveness to heal deep wounds. Please share this episode with friends and family members. 

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, during the Feast of Saint Joseph, Father Hathaway reflects revolves around Saint Joseph's example of humble fatherhood, which serves as inspiration for all fathers in leading their families toward faith and transformation during Lent. He also invites all to celebrate today's feast day during tonight's Saint Joseph Altar event at 7 p.m., starting with Vespers and a short reflection in the Basilica, and then continuing with a grand feast in our Lyceum Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Click here for more information. 

Father Ken Geraci shares a homily during the Fourth Sunday of Lent. It was given in the Basilica on March 15, 2026.

Father Edward Hathaway, the Rector of the Basilica, shares a homily during the Third Sunday of Lent. It was given in the Basilica on March 8, 2026.

Steve Weidenkopf, an Adjunct Professor at the Christendom College Graduate School of Theology, shares part four of his five-part series chronicling Church history. It was recorded in our Lyceum Auditorium on March 10, 2026.  This series presents a narrative summary of the major persons and events of Church history from Pentecost to the modern day. The story of the Catholic Church is presented in all its glory, success, and failure, along with fascinating vignettes about the men and women, saints, sinners, heroes, and villains who most shaped Catholic history over the last 2,000 years.

Steve Weidenkopf, an Adjunct Professor at the Christendom College Graduate School of Theology, shares part four of his five-part series chronicling Church history. It was recorded in our Lyceum Auditorium on March 3, 2026.  This series presents a narrative summary of the major persons and events of Church history from Pentecost to the modern day. The story of the Catholic Church is presented in all its glory, success, and failure, along with fascinating vignettes about the men and women, saints, sinners, heroes, and villains who most shaped Catholic history over the last 2,000 years.

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, Father James Searby, a parochial vicar, substitutes for Father Hathaway, who is away on a retreat, and shares about the virtue of the month at the school: peserverance (fortitude). Father Searby also invites all parishioners to attend our upcoming poarish mission, which will occur on March 15-18. For more information, please click here. He also invites all to celebrate the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, during our Saint Joseph Altar event, which takes place on March 19h. Click here for more information. 

Father Peter Clem shares a homily during the Second Sunday of Lent. It was given in the Basilica on March 1, 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, Father Hathaway ties in this Sunday's Gospel reading, which features the Samaritan woman at the well, to the upcoming parish mission. For more information about the parish mission, which will occur on March 15-18, please click here. 

Steve Weidenkopf, an Adjunct Professor at the Christendom College Graduate School of Theology, shares part three of his five-part series chronicling Church history. It was recorded in our Lyceum Auditorium on Feb. 24, 2026.  This series presents a narrative summary of the major persons and events of Church history from Pentecost to the modern day. The story of the Catholic Church is presented in all its glory, success, and failure, along with fascinating vignettes about the men and women, saints, sinners, heroes, and villains who most shaped Catholic history over the last 2,000 years. Click here for more information. 

This month's guest for the podcast series called "What Are the Sisters Reading?" is from the Daughters of Saint Paul. Sister Kathryn Hermes, FSP, shares about a book called "Do Not Judge Anyone:" Desert Wisdom for a Polarized World," by Cistercian Monk Father Isaac Slater, who reflects on the desert fathers' teachings and practice of not judging with a focus on contemporary life. To check out more books on the Catholic faith and religious items of interest at the Pauline Books and Media Center at 1025 King Street in Alexandria, please click here.

Father James Searby, a Parochial Vicar, shares a homily during the First Sunday of Lent. It was given in the Basilica on February 22, 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, Father Hathaway reflects on the transfiguration of Jesus and the importance of listening to God, which can only occur if we carve silence into our lives to make time for prayer and spiritual reading during Lent.    He also invites parishioners to attend Family Bingo Night at the Basilica School Gym this Saturday, Feb. 28, from 6:30-9 p.m. Click here for more information. He also invites people to attend an enthronement of a relic of St. Manuel González García – described as the greatest Eucharistic priest since St. John Vianney – which will occur after the 12:10 p.m. Mass on Tuesday, March 3rd. A reflection on the saint's life and devotion to the Eucharist, with veneration of his relics, will follow. Click here for more information. 

Steve Weidenkopf, an Adjunct Professor at the Christendom College Graduate School of Theology, shares part two of his five-part series chronicling Church history. It was recorded in our Lyceum Auditorium on Feb. 10, 2026.  This series presents a narrative summary of the major persons and events of Church history from Pentecost to the modern day. The story of the Catholic Church is presented in all its glory, success, and failure, along with fascinating vignettes about the men and women, saints, sinners, heroes, and villains who most shaped Catholic history over the last 2,000 years. Click here for more information. 

Father Edward Hathaway, the rector of the Basilica, shares a homily during the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time. It was given in the Basilica on February 15, 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, Father Hathaway reflects on how Lent becomes transformative when our sacrifices become acts of love for God rather than strategies for self-improvement.   He also invites parishioners to view a new permanent display on Catholic education at the Basilica School on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, from 9:45-11:30 a.m. Click here for more information.    Also, the Saint Patrick Irish Hooley, which will occur on Sunday, March 1, 2026, from 3-6 p.m. in the Basilica School Gym, still has tickets available. This is a festive and fun family event, where everyone can enjoy great Irish food, music, drinks, and dancing. Click here to find out more and to get your tickets today before it's sold out.    Reminder: Don't forget to have fun attending Family Bingo Night at the Basilica School Gym on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, from 6:30-9 p.m. Click here for more information.     

Fr. Ken Geraci, CPM, of the Fathers of Mercy, previews the Lenten Parish Mission he will be leading at the Basilica on March 15-18, 2026. The title of the mission is called "Why Be Catholic?" Click here to learn more about the mission and Fr. Ken. 

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, Father Hathaway reflects on how Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, is a time for our hearts to undergo an interior transformation, one that leads us closer to Christ.   Our Ash Wednesday Mass times are as follows: 6:30 a.m.; 8 a.m.; 12:10 p.m.; 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. (featuring the choir).  All are also invited to join Hallow, the prayer app, to participate in their Lent Pray40 Prayer Challenge during Lent. Click here for more information.

Steve Weidenkopf, an Adjunct Professor at the Christendom College Graduate School of Theology, shares part one of his five-part series chronicling Church history. It was recorded in our Lyceum Auditorium on Feb. 3, 2026.  This series presents a narrative summary of the major persons and events of Church history from Pentecost to the modern day. The story of the Catholic Church is presented in all its glory, success, and failure, along with fascinating vignettes about the men and women, saints, sinners, heroes, and villains who most shaped Catholic history over the last 2,000 years. Click here for more information. 

Father Edward Hathaway, the rector of the Basilica, shares a homily during the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. It was given in the Basilica on February 8, 2026. In the homily, he also focuses donating to the Bishop's Lenten Appeal, as part of this weekend's in-pew/commitment weekend. Please click here to find out more and to donate. 

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 reflects on how Jesus teaches that a life rooted in holiness brings, flavor, meaning and light to a darkened world.   

This month's guest for the podcast series called "What Are the Sisters Reading?" is from the Daughters of Saint Paul. Sister Emily Marsh, FSP,  shares about a book called "The Shattering of Loneliness: On Christian Remembrance," by Bishop Erik Varden, a Norwegian Trappist monk. The book explores how Christian remembrance heals human loneliness by reconnecting individuals to their original divine image and communion with God.  To check out more books on the Catholic faith and religious items of interest at the Pauline Books and Media Center at 1025 King Street in Alexandria, please click here.

Father Peter Clem, a parochial vicar, shares a homily during the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time. It was given in the Basilica on February 1, 2026. In the homily, he focuses on the importance of supporting the Bishop's Lenten Appeal. Please click here to find out more and to donate. 

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.  

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.

In this episode, Steve Weidenkopf, an Adjunct Professor at the Christendom College Graduate School of Theology, shares a preview of his five-part series chronicling Church history, which begins Feb. 3, 2026, in our Lyceum Auditorium (313 Duke Street). This series presents a narrative summary of the major persons and events of Church history from Pentecost to the modern day. The story of the Catholic Church is presented in all its glory, success, and failure, along with fascinating vignettes about the men and women, saints, sinners, heroes, and villains who most shaped Catholic history over the last 2,000 years. Click here for more information. 

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.

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.  

Father Peter Clem, a parochial vicar, offers a reflection on the Fourth Sorrowful Mystery of the Rosary, the Carrying of the Cross, for our Communal First Saturday for January. It was recorded on January 3, 2026.

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.

In January's episode of "What Are the Sisters Reading?", Sister Kathryn Hermes, FSP, reflects upon a book called "Stories of Saints and the Sacraments," which shares the power of the seven sacraments through dramatic retellings of fourteen pivotal moments of grace in the lives of the saints. It is written by Sister Marie Paul Curley, FSP, and Sister MaryLea Hill, FSP.    To check out more books on the Catholic faith and religious items of interest at the Pauline Books and Media Center at 1025 King Street in Alexandria, please click here.

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