The Best of the Week

Rose from Lawndale, California, called Family Rosary Across America on a bittersweet anniversary: one year since the death of her husband, George. Rose first discovered Relevant Radio on George’s first day of home hospice. Now, she shared the remarkable story of their nearly 45-year marriage and the dates that seemed to weave their lives together. George was born on the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the same feast day on which Rose was baptized. They met on All Souls’ Day, and Rose said it was “love at first sight.” “I hit the husband lottery,” she told Father Rocky. George loved God, went to church with her, and served his country in the military. On the anniversary of his death, Rose had just returned from Riverside National Cemetery. Her simple request was for prayers for the man she still loves so deeply. Please join Rose in praying for the repose of George’s soul and for all the faithful departed. The best way to catch 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.

We know the Holy Rosary matters. We know the Mass is essential. But is there another kind of prayer that Christians need if they want to grow deeper in the spiritual life? On The Inner Life, Patrick Conley and Fr. Eric Nielsen explored mental prayer, unscripted prayer in which we intentionally lift our hearts and minds to God. Unlike vocal prayers, such as the Hail Mary, Rosary, or the Mass, mental prayer is not scripted. But that doesn’t make vocal prayer less important. As Fr. Eric emphasized, “All prayer should come from the heart.” Mental prayer creates space for a personal encounter with the Lord. Sometimes that means having a conversation with God. Other times, it can mean simply contemplating Him or a truth of the Faith. And in a world overflowing with distractions, setting aside that time is especially important. “We can't just be rushing through the day, you know, saying our rosary and going to bed,” Fr. Eric explained. We need time deliberately set apart to allow the Lord to work in our hearts. He offered a sports analogy: “The Rosary is kind of like, you know, working out in the gym, and the Mass is the game. But mental prayer is the practice.” Just as an athlete practices so he can perform when the game begins, mental prayer prepares us to enter more deeply into the Mass and encounter Jesus there. The best way to catch 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.

Sometimes, trying not to hurt your spouse can actually create more distance. On Marriage Unhindered, Doug Hinderer speaks with Ellie, a wife of five years and mother of three, who says she and her husband tend to keep frustrations and criticisms to themselves. They worry their feelings might be unfair or irrational, so they stay quiet. But that silence has a cost. “I don't want to share the bad stuff. I don't really want to share the good stuff either,” Ellie explains. “And then we just start to operate in a coexistence.” Doug encourages Ellie to change the way she views difficult conversations. Instead of seeing criticism as proof that she is a bad spouse, she can see her husband's feedback as an opportunity to love him better. “The only way I can be the best is if I know where I'm kind of messing up,” Doug says. That requires both spouses to communicate gently. Rather than attacking or blaming, Doug recommends explaining how something makes you feel and asking your spouse for a specific change. The goal isn't to prove who is right. It's to help each other become better husbands and wives. Doug also suggests a practical habit for busy couples: a brief “stress-reducing conversation” at the end of the day. Each spouse takes a few minutes to share what went wrong, while the other listens, offers affection, and expresses appreciation. For Ellie and her husband, raising three children makes finding time together difficult. But even a few intentional minutes can keep the day's frustrations from piling up. Marriage isn't strengthened by pretending everything is fine. When spouses create a safe place for honest, charitable communication, even frustrations can become opportunities for deeper intimacy. The best way to catch 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.

Could the heavens themselves have marked the Death of Jesus? On The Drew Mariani Show, Drew welcomed Father Chris Corbally, S.J., a research astronomer with the Vatican Observatory, to explore the fascinating intersection of Scripture, history, and astronomy surrounding the Crucifixion. Astronomical calculations show that a lunar eclipse occurred on April 3, A.D. 33, one of the dates scholars have proposed for Christ’s Crucifixion. During a lunar eclipse, Earth blocks direct sunlight from reaching the moon, while red light passing through Earth’s atmosphere can give the moon a striking blood-red appearance. That brings to mind St. Peter’s words at Pentecost about the moon being turned to blood before the coming of the day of the Lord. But could an eclipse also explain the mysterious darkness described in the Gospels from noon until 3pm? Father Chris said no. A lunar eclipse would only become visible after sunset, while the darkness mentioned in the Gospel occurred during the afternoon. So, what happened? Father Chris acknowledged that scholars can debate how the Gospel accounts should be understood, but he also left open another possibility: “Why not a miracle? Yeah, God does miracles.” Drew pointed to the extraordinary significance of the timing as well. Jesus died around Passover, when lambs were sacrificed, while Christ Himself was offering His life on the Cross as the true Lamb of God. Astronomy cannot prove the divinity of Christ, and the exact year of the Crucifixion remains debated. But historical evidence and accounts reminds us that the Gospel is rooted in history. Jesus lived, suffered, and died at a real moment in time. And on that day, Scripture tells us, even creation testified that something extraordinary was happening. The best way to catch 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.

Sister Katie Flanagan knew she wanted to be a teacher. Becoming a religious sister? That wasn’t even on her radar. Speaking with Mark on The Mark Swartzberg Show, she recalled how friends first introduced her to the Salesian Sisters, whose charism of loving and educating young people immediately resonated with her. Then, during prayer near the end of college, an unexpected thought entered her mind: “Maybe you're supposed to be a nun.” She resisted. For six years, while teaching, the possibility kept returning in prayer. Eventually, a friend convinced her to visit the Salesian Sisters in New Jersey. On the flight, Sister Katie offered God an unusual prayer: “Dear God, please let me get there and hate it.” She knew God would not call her to a life in which she would be miserable. But when she arrived, joined the sisters for prayer, meals and chores, the opposite happened. “I felt at peace. I felt at home.” Even then, fear remained. After several visits, Sister Katie finally decided to request an application. Weeks later, before daily Mass, she texted the vocations director to say she was ready. Then Mass began. The priest announced that it was January 31 – the Feast of St. John Bosco, founder of the Salesians. “I just started crying,” Sister Katie recalled. “I was like, okay, Lord, this is it.” Her story is a beautiful reminder that discerning God’s call does not always happen instantly. Sometimes He patiently works through our desires, fears and circumstances until we become willing to say yes. The best way to catch 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.

Sandra called The Patrick Madrid Show with a simple request for the people listening: Pay attention to the people around you. During an Amtrak trip to Orange County, California, Sandra, who is hearing impaired, struggled to find help or even a seat. Eventually, a young woman moved her belongings and gave Sandra a place to sit. Patrick Madrid turned Sandra’s experience into a reminder for listeners: “Do the right thing and get up and give your seat to somebody like Sandra. Because they need it. They appreciate your help.” But the conversation soon became about something much deeper. Sandra told Patrick that although she is not currently practicing the Catholic Faith, she listens faithfully to Relevant Radio and even supports pledge drives. What keeps her listening? “What I get from Relevant Radio is I get the Christian perspective on life,” she explained. More than that, she appreciates hearing what is right rather than simply what is popular. Sandra had been baptized Catholic and shared that throughout her life, she continued entering Catholic churches to pray. She still turns to St. Anthony when something is lost. What she lacked, she said, was someone to help her find her way back. “The only thing that's missing is someone to show me how to come back to the faith.” Patrick offered exactly that. He arranged to connect Sandra with someone in her area who could help her explore returning to the Church. “I feel like God's grace is moving in a particular way through your phone call,” Patrick told her. Sometimes an ordinary act of kindness can open the door to an extraordinary movement of grace. The best way to catch 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.

Parents often ask whether a movie or show is appropriate for their children. But what if simply avoiding objectionable content isn’t enough? On The Tim Glemkowski Show, Tim and his wife Maggie discussed how their family approaches media choices, beginning with a simple priority: limiting screens and encouraging reading. Books give children room to “imagine and create and wonder at the characters they’re encountering,” Maggie explained. When the family does choose movies or shows, they look beyond whether the content is merely harmless. Tim summarized the approach in two steps: “The first step is: Is the content ethical, moral, anti-Christian? Then the second step is: Is it art?” In other words, parents can ask whether a piece of media has purpose. Does it stretch a child’s imagination? Does it communicate something good, beautiful, or meaningful? Or is it simply filling time? Their family has another practical rule: Everyone watches together. That means choosing something that can work for both an 11-year-old and a 3-year-old. More importantly, watching together makes media “more of a relational encounter” rather than an isolated experience on a personal device. For Catholic families navigating a screen-saturated culture, that offers a helpful standard. Don’t just ask whether something is permissible. Ask what it is forming in your children and whether it brings your family together. The best way to catch 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.

A new study suggests young adults haven’t given up on marriage. That's the good news. The bad news? Many young adults aren’t dating. On Trending with Timmerie, Timmerie examined the State of Our Union 2026: A Dating Recession, which surveyed more than 5,000 unmarried Americans ages 22-35. Nearly nine out of 10 expect to marry someday, yet only about one-third are actively dating. So, what’s stopping them? Money tops the list, with a majority of those individuals not dating citing finances as an obstacle. Timmerie points to both economic pressures and unrealistic expectations about what dating should look like. A meaningful date doesn’t have to resemble an expensive, perfectly staged social media post. But money isn’t the only problem. About half of those surveyed cited a lack of confidence, and roughly half pointed to bad previous dating experiences. Those struggles, Timmerie argues, can involve genuine wounds and fears. That’s why a Catholic understanding of relationships can offer something important: a clear purpose. Dating isn’t just about romance or finding someone who fits an ideal. The Catholic view of dating involves discerning a potential spouse and building a relationship rooted in friendship, chastity, and ultimately, God. Timmerie contrasts seeing marriage as a “capstone” – something pursued only after education, career, travel, and financial success – with seeing it as a “cornerstone” of adult life. For Catholics, marriage is a vocation, and the Sacrament of Matrimony is ordered toward the unity of the spouses, openness to life, and the formation of children in the Faith. The encouraging news is that young adults still desire marriage. The challenge is helping them move beyond fear, wounds, and unrealistic expectations so they can pursue relationships centered on God and authentic love. The best way to catch 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.

Nancy from Chicago called the Family Rosary Across America with prayers for her cousin Jim, who has pancreatic cancer, and for her son, Jacob, on his birthday. Father Rocky remembered Jacob from the Walk to Mary, where his mother helped push him in a wheelchair. Nancy shared the hopeful news that Jacob’s talking is getting better. “We’ve been praying for it,” Father Rocky said. Then came a birthday surprise. Father Rocky sang “Happy Birthday” to Jacob, who thanked him. Even Jacob’s dog, Tenor, joined in. Nancy said Tenor prays the Rosary with them, prompting Father Rocky to joke, “All right, Tenor, wag your tail.” It was a joyful reminder of the love, prayer, and community that unite the Relevant Radio family. The best way to catch 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.

Marriage offers something the human heart deeply desires: to be fully known and still deeply loved. On Marriage Unhindered, Doug Hinderer reflected on the extraordinary promise a husband and wife make to one another. Out of all the people in the world, each spouse says, in effect, “I choose you.” Your spouse comes to know your “strengths, your weaknesses, your dreams, fears, your history,” Doug explained. And after seeing the virtues as well as the flaws, that person can still say, “I’m still here. And I want to be here.” That faithful love came alive when Nikki from Indiana called to share her marriage story. She married her high school sweetheart, Robbie, and the couple eventually faced six difficult years of infertility. Nikki said they remained committed to Catholic teaching while pursuing fertility treatments, even when doing so was difficult. They later pursued adoption, only to have an adoption fall through. In the midst of their struggle, they consecrated their marriage to the Eucharist. Nikki watched Robbie grow into a stronger spiritual leader in their home, particularly through prayer. Then came joyful news: Nikki and Robbie are expecting a baby boy in October. “After six years of trying and praying, we just surrendered finally,” Nikki said. Their story beautifully illustrates Doug’s reflection: marriage is a commitment to keep choosing and loving one another through whatever comes. The best way to catch 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.

You may have heard the advice before: If your house won’t sell, bury a St. Joseph statue in the yard. But is this a genuine Catholic devotion or simply superstition? On The Patrick Madrid Show, listener Andrea shared that her brother buried a St. Joseph statue while trying to sell his home. Remarkably, two offers soon arrived. Andrea believed in the power of prayer and St. Joseph’s intercession, but wondered where sincere devotion ends and superstition begins. Patrick explained that Catholics have a rich tradition of sacramentals, including sacred images, rosaries, blessed candles, and holy water. Properly understood, these practices direct our hearts toward God. The problem arises when a religious object is treated as though it has magical power or guarantees a particular result. Patrick then shared his own St. Joseph story. Years ago, he and his wife, Nancy, struggled to sell their small California home as their growing family desperately needed more room. Someone suggested burying a St. Joseph statue upside down in their yard. They decided against it. “We wanted to sell our house, but we didn't want to succumb to what we felt to be a superstition,” Patrick explained. Instead, the Madrid family began a novena to St. Joseph. On the final day of the novena, their realtor called: They had received an offer. They accepted it and finally sold the house. Could St. Joseph have interceded for them? Patrick believes so. His recommendation for Catholics facing a similar situation is simple: Rather than relying on a formula or treating a statue as a guarantee, sincerely ask St. Joseph to pray for you. The power is not in a buried object but in God, who hears our prayers and the intercession of His saints. The best way to catch 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.

With endless texts, headlines, emails, and short-form videos competing for our attention, sitting down with a book can feel increasingly difficult. On The Drew Mariani Show, Drew and Dr. Jeff Gardner explore what we may be losing when we stop reading. Drew points out that reading requires something our digital habits often discourage: patience and concentration. That matters spiritually, too. “Our faith requires attention. Scripture requires attention. Prayer requires attention,” Drew said. “You can't understand Augustine or Aquinas in 30 seconds.” Dr. Gardner agrees that declining reading and shrinking attention spans can reinforce one another. Without time for reflection, he warns, we can become more likely to make snap judgments instead of carefully considering what is true. He connects this problem to the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus challenges the Pharisees to look beyond external observances and consider what comes from the heart. That habit of deeper reflection matters because our attention shapes our actions. Dr. Gardner explains that when the deep thinking associated with reading decreases, people can become more emotionally impulsive. Nowhere else is this more apparent than on the internet. Reading, then, isn't merely about finishing more books. It can train us to slow down, wrestle with difficult ideas, and resist the temptation to react instantly. And in the spiritual life, learning to pay attention can help us focus on listening to God. The best way to catch 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.

What does priestly ministry look like when your parishioners are jumping from airplanes, training for combat, and deploying around the world? On The Mark Swartzberg Show, Mark explored that question with Fr. Mike Metz, a Catholic priest and U.S. Army chaplain serving at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Fr. Metz told Mark that military life pushes soldiers to confront their limits – and sometimes life’s deepest questions. Young soldiers preparing for dangerous training or deployment face realities most people their age rarely consider. That can produce a remarkable spiritual seriousness. Fr. Metz encounters soldiers who realize, “I want to get my life in order and I want to be prepared for whatever comes next.” Mark asked how that reality shapes Fr. Metz’s priesthood. His answer was simple: Be available. Whether soldiers are rigging parachutes, training at the range, preparing for deployment, or coming to Confession, Fr. Metz tries to meet them where they are. Some know he is a Catholic priest; others simply see a chaplain. But, he explained, “Everybody that I interact with, I get to love with the priestly heart of Jesus.” That availability is especially important because military life rarely fits neatly into a parish schedule. Fr. Metz described his task as helping “normalize the abnormal,” ensuring deployments and lengthy training exercises don’t unnecessarily separate Catholics from the sacraments. Mark then asked about one extraordinary example: the day Fr. Metz celebrated all seven sacraments. He baptized children, heard Confessions, celebrated Mass, confirmed a soldier, convalidated his marriage, and anointed a cancer patient, all through the Holy Orders he had already received. It was an extraordinary day revealing that wherever God calls His people, He provides the grace to follow Him. The best way to catch 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.

On The Tim Glemkowski Show, Tim Glemkowski reflected on Pope Leo XIV’s growing ability to offer Catholics memorable words that call the heart toward Christ. Tim compared the Holy Father’s approach to St. John Paul II, whose writings – including his famous Letter to Artists – continue to shape Catholic life. While today’s constant stream of information can make lasting words harder to find, Tim believes Pope Leo possesses a similar gift for memorable expressions of timeless truths. Speaking to young people at the Rimini Meeting on August 22nd, Pope Leo recalled Pope Benedict XVI’s beautiful description of the human heart as “an open window to infinity.” Pope Leo encouraged young people to keep that window open and follow their deepest desires for beauty, goodness, and life. For Tim, the message echoed St. John Paul II’s remarkable ability to speak to the human heart and call it upward toward God. Pope Leo continued that Christ-centered preaching during his Sunday Angelus, reflecting on Jesus’ question to the Apostles: “Who do you say that I am?” Peter responds with his great profession of faith: Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Tim explained that this proclamation of Jesus Christ, the kerygma, remains at the very heart of the Church’s mission. We may know intellectually that Jesus is Lord, but Christ continually invites each of us to answer that question personally: Who do you say that I am? The best way to catch 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.

After attending a recital featuring young local musicians, Deacon Patrick Conley opened The Inner Life with a fitting question for guest, Fr. Rob Kroll, S.J.: What can learning an instrument teach us about examining our conscience? Fr. Kroll offered the image of a boy sitting at a piano for the first time. With no training, the child might happily strike any of the 88 keys in any order. He is technically “free” to play whatever he wants, but the result is more likely to be noise than music. Compare that with a trained pianist. After years of practice, the musician follows music theory, observes the notes written by the composer, and respects the proper tempo and dynamics. Those apparent “rules” do not destroy the pianist’s freedom. Instead, they allow him to create something beautiful. Fr. Kroll explained that our consciences work in a similar way. The world often presents freedom as the ability to do whatever we want, whenever we want, especially according to how we feel in the moment. But God’s commandments are not arbitrary restrictions keeping us from happiness. They teach us how to live according to the purpose for which He created us. When we choose behaviors or attitudes contrary to God’s will, Fr. Kroll said, we are often left unsettled, disturbed, and unhappy. A well-formed conscience helps us recognize those wrong notes and return to harmony with God. Like a pianist learning to play beautiful music, we form our consciences so that we can use our freedom well. True freedom is not found in playing any note we please, but in learning to make something beautiful of the life God has given us. The best way to catch 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.

Loretta from Los Angeles called in to the Family Rosary Across America carrying three heavy intentions: healing for her sister, healing for her 12-year-old son, and a home after nine months of homelessness. Her sister, a cancer survivor, is now facing another serious health crisis. At the same time, her son is dealing with swollen lymph nodes. And Loretta, exhausted from sleeping in cars, asked God for something simple: a small home with a yard. Father Rocky turned her requests into a prayer of confident trust, asking St. Joseph to intercede for her family and help provide a home. “We’re gonna pray for your sister. We’re gonna pray for your son,” Father Rocky said. “And we pray that St. Joseph move you to the top of the list.” The best way to catch 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.

On The Inner Life with Deacon Patrick Conley, caller Tom from Milwaukee shared a powerful lesson about meekness, forgiveness, and what can happen when we make room for God’s grace. For years, tension had been building between Tom’s family and their neighbors. His neighbor's children frequently came over, conflicts arose, and resentment grew. Tom and his wife prayed about the situation, but the anger remained. Then his wife suggested something unexpected: They should go next door and ask forgiveness for whatever part they had played in the conflict. Tom was reluctant. From his perspective, the problems were entirely the neighbors’ fault. Still, he went. “I can’t explain it outside of God’s mercy, grace,” Tom recalled. “That second, everything changed.” The neighbors hugged, they invited Tom and his wife to dinner, and Tom said his anger toward the woman disappeared. Patrick pointed out that this is precisely why meekness should never be confused with weakness. It takes an immense amount of strength, he said, to approach someone against whom you have a long list of grievances and simply say, “Forgive me.” Sometimes, winning the argument isn’t what heals a relationship. Humility, forgiveness, and God’s grace can accomplish what resentment never will. The best way to catch 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.

Doug Hinderer has some practical advice for singles looking for their spouse: Don’t just ask yourself whether you’re attracted to someone. Pay attention to the qualities that could make them a good spouse. On Marriage Unhindered, Doug shares three signs from relationship researcher Dr. John Gottman. Does the person take a genuine interest in you, asking questions and listening to your answers? Do they treat people well even when there is nothing to gain from it? And are they reliable? Do they do what they say they will do? Doug adds another essential quality: virtue. Look for someone who is not only striving to be a good person but recognizes that growth is lifelong. Marriage will offer countless opportunities to change, mature, sacrifice, and become more virtuous. And for Catholics, there is another crucial consideration: being aligned in the Faith. Sharing a commitment to God can provide a strong foundation for building a life and family together. But how do you actually get to know someone? Doug recommends moving beyond small talk with questions such as: What sparks your curiosity? What are your hobbies? Who do you surround yourself with? What do you spend most of your time thinking about? Perhaps the most revealing question is: “What does a life well-lived look like to you?” The answer can reveal someone’s values, hopes, and vision for the future – and whether that future might be one you could build together. The best way to catch 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.

When Omar from Hollister, California, called The Patrick Madrid Show, he had a concern familiar to many Catholic parents. He and his wife are raising two young children, hoping for more, and trying to put the Faith first, but few members of their extended family still practice. Sometimes, Omar admitted, it gets lonely. Patrick encouraged him to see his family as a light in the darkness. Even a single candle can illuminate a pitch-black room. In the same way, a Catholic family faithfully living its beliefs can become a quiet witness to relatives who have drifted away. That witness begins at home. Patrick recommended prominently displaying a crucifix and images of the Sacred Heart and Immaculate Heart, praying the Rosary as a family, attending Mass, receiving the sacraments, and letting children see that Catholicism shapes everyday life. “It’s the meat and potatoes,” Patrick explained. Faith is formed through the basic things done faithfully again and again. For Omar, that also means remembering his responsibility as a father. “God is first,” Patrick told him, followed by his wife and children. Rather than worrying that he is thinking too much about raising them well, Patrick encouraged him to keep seeking God’s guidance. That responsibility also includes protecting their innocence. When relatives or situations could expose young children to scandal or subjects they are not ready to understand, parents can prudently establish boundaries while continuing to love their family. “You’re a young patriarch,” Patrick told Omar. “You’re at the beginning of this lifelong adventure.” The years with young children will pass quickly. Patrick’s encouragement was simple: fill those years with prayer, the sacraments, Catholic life, and a visible love for Jesus. “Grab it and don’t let go of it.” The best way to catch 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.

For Catholic couples struggling with infertility, being “open to life” can raise a painful question: How far should they go to have a child? On Trending with Timmerie, Daniel and Bethany Maiola shared how infertility unexpectedly became part of their marriage. After about a year of trying to conceive, they began seeking medical answers through NaPro Technology. Over the next five or six years, they underwent tests, surgeries, and treatments, ultimately receiving the frustrating diagnosis of “unexplained infertility.” Eventually, the emotional toll began affecting their marriage. “There was a lot of grief, there was a lot of anger, and there was not a lot of peace,” Daniel said. Through spiritual direction and prayer, their perspective began to change. Daniel came to recognize that even the profound desire for a child cannot ultimately satisfy the human heart. “Children are not the greatest good in our life. It’s Christ alone.” That surrender did not mean rejecting openness to life. Instead, Bethany discovered that openness cannot be measured simply by the number of children a couple has. “The generosity is not less because of the results of being open to life,” she explained. For couples considering morally permissible fertility treatments, Bethany emphasized that there is no universal point at which they must stop. Medical interventions can carry physical, emotional, financial, and marital costs, all of which can factor into prayerful discernment. The same applies to adoption. It is a beautiful vocation, but not an obligation for every infertile couple. For the Maiolas, infertility eventually led them toward adoption and other forms of spiritual fruitfulness, including hospitality, service, and ministry. Their journey offers hope to couples carrying this cross: A marriage can remain profoundly open to God’s gift of life even when biological children do not come. Faithfulness is not measured by results, but by loving surrender to God’s will. The best way to catch 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.

On The Drew Mariani Show, Drew discusses a federal investigation into Network for Hope, an organ procurement organization serving several states. Federal reviewers identified serious concerns in roughly 100 of 351 examined cases in which organ donation had been authorized but not completed. The organization disputes the findings and plans to appeal. For Catholics, the controversy raises an important moral question: How certain must doctors be before organs are removed? Drew welcomes Father Tad Pacholczyk, senior ethicist at the National Catholic Bioethics Center, who emphasizes that determining death requires careful testing without shortcuts. “If we're dealing with matters of life and death, we must carry out due diligence here, and no two ways around that,” Father Tad says. The Church permits organ donation when it is freely given and does not cause the donor’s death. As Drew notes, organ donation can allow someone’s generosity to continue even after death. The troubling findings underscore the need for rigorous safeguards, transparency with families, and absolute respect for the dignity of every human life. Medicine can accomplish remarkable things, but saving one life can never come at the cost of intentionally ending another. The best way to catch 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.

Bishop James Conley from the Diocese of Lincoln joined The Mark Swartzberg Show to speak candidly about the anxiety and depression that eventually led him to take an 11-month leave of absence in 2019. Amid the clergy abuse crisis, an investigation in Nebraska, difficult diocesan decisions, and his sister’s cancer diagnosis, Bishop Conley felt responsible for solving every problem before him. He described falling into an “ungodly self-reliance,” believing that if he simply worked and prayed harder, he could fix everything. Eventually, sleeplessness, weight loss, anxiety, and a loss of joy led friends and family to encourage him to seek professional help. Mark noted that Catholics readily accept the importance of spiritual direction, so seeking help from a reliable mental health professional should not be viewed with shame. Bishop Conley agreed, explaining that psychological and spiritual care are distinct but complementary. One piece of advice from his Catholic therapist became particularly important: “Just show up.” Get out of bed. Do what you can. Stop believing you have to control every outcome. Bishop Conley told Mark that even when prayer brought little consolation, he held tightly to the Rosary, the Divine Office, and the Holy Mass. They became lifelines as he continued walking through the darkness. His experience ultimately taught him a lesson he now shares with others: we cannot always pray or work our way out of suffering. Sometimes we must accept help, surrender the outcome to God, and keep moving forward in faith. There is always hope. The darkness will not last forever. The best way to catch 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.

For Peter Atkinson, founder of The Merry Beggars, telling the stories of the saints became much more personal when his own daughter began listening. Atkinson explained on The Tim Glemkowski Show that The Merry Beggars created The Saints series to introduce younger children to prayer, the sign of the cross, and the lives of the saints. When he played it for his 4-year-old daughter, Francesca, her reaction brought him to tears. She was discovering that St. Joan of Arc could be her friend and that the Faith could be filled with “joy and adventure and risk.” “If you tell stories the right way,” Atkinson said, “kids will love it. Kids will come to love the stories of the saints.” That means presenting saints not as what Atkinson jokingly called “animatronic prayer cards,” but as real people whose lives were filled with courage, sacrifice, and trust in God. He pointed to St. Kateri Tekakwitha and her extraordinary journey through the wilderness as an example of the adventure already present in Church history. Atkinson believes Catholic artists have an opportunity to bring those stories alive for the next generation. As one supporter once told him, “The problem with boring Christian storytelling is it tells the lie that we serve a boring God.” The saints show us exactly the opposite. The best way to catch 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.

What should a Catholic do if they have committed a mortal sin but are approaching Mass and Holy Communion? On The Inner Life, host Deacon Patrick Conley shared a question from Robert in Montclair, California: “What about receiving the Eucharist in mortal sin?” The answer begins with what mortal sin means. When someone knowingly and deliberately chooses grave evil contrary to Christ’s commandments, that choice ruptures his relationship with God. Holy Communion expresses precisely the opposite. Receiving the Eucharist is a sign of communion with Christ – not only professing belief in Him, but seeking to live according to His commandments. That is why knowingly receiving the Eucharist in a state of mortal sin creates a serious contradiction and is, itself, another serious sin. “If we are living in mortal sin or have committed mortal sin, we should not be presenting ourselves to Holy Communion,” guest Fr. John Paul Erickson explained. “The manner of our life has said, ‘I don’t want to be one with Jesus.’” The Church therefore teaches that a Catholic who is conscious of having committed mortal sin ordinarily must receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation before receiving Holy Communion. Far from being merely a restriction, this teaching points toward reconciliation. If grave sin has separated us from friendship with God, Christ offers us a way home through His mercy. As Fr. John Paul encouraged listeners, “We need to get to confession as quickly as we can so that our lives can be in conformity with the way of eternal life.” 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.

Broadcasting from the 144th Supreme Convention of the Knights of Columbus in Denver, Drew Mariani sat down with Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly to talk about the future of Catholic men, the Church, and the New Evangelization. Kelly highlighted COR, an initiative bringing men together for prayer, faith formation, and fraternity. What began four years ago with just 60 Knights of Columbus councils has expanded to 6,000. “There’s a hunger to know their faith,” Kelly said. COR gives men an opportunity to respond to that hunger alongside other Catholic men. And its growth comes amid encouraging signs of young people discovering—or rediscovering—the Catholic Faith. Kelly also reflected on the Knights’ theme this year, “In the One, We Are One,” drawn from Pope Leo XIV’s episcopal motto. At a time marked by division and isolation, Kelly sees unity and fraternity as increasingly important. Looking ahead, he sees reason for hope. “What I see, I see a brightness coming,” Kelly said. “I see people interested in their faith.” For Kelly, that renewal is connected to the vision of the New Evangelization promoted by Pope St. John Paul II. And the Knights hope to be part of it by helping Catholic men grow closer to Christ, serve others, and strengthen their families and parishes. As Kelly put it, “Where the Church thrives, the Knights thrive.” 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.

Father Patrick Costello entered the U.S. Naval Academy preparing for military service. But through daily Mass, the Rosary, and the example of faithful priests, he began hearing another call: the priesthood. That call became clearer after graduation when he was stationed in Japan. Father Costello frequently traveled to Nagasaki, where St. Paul Miki and his companions were martyred. Standing where Catholics had given their lives for Christ made a lasting impression. “Something in me really stirred,” Father Costello told Mark on The Mark Swartzberg Show. “I really had a desire for giving my life to Christ in some way.” Now a Navy chaplain serving at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, Father Costello encourages Catholics to discover that same spirit of self-gift by contemplating Jesus on the Cross. He suggested simply looking at a crucifix and recognizing Christ’s sacrifice as a personal act of love. The Mass offers an especially powerful opportunity to respond. As the priest elevates the Host, Father Costello recommends making an interior offering: “Lord, I give you my life. I lay my life down for you this day.” Then, when receiving Holy Communion, we can remember that Christ gives Himself completely to us, and offer ourselves back to Him. The Stations of the Cross, the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary, and meditation on the Passion can also deepen this union with Christ Crucified. Father Costello’s journey from Annapolis to Japan and eventually the priesthood shows what can happen when we make room for God each day. Prayer gradually teaches us not merely to admire Christ’s sacrifice, but to offer our own lives in return. 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.

For Catholics returning to the Faith, the Rosary can sometimes raise a basic question: Why do we pray it? On The Patrick Madrid Show, caller Al asked Patrick Madrid about the Rosary’s origins and importance. Patrick explained that far from distracting us from Jesus, the Rosary invites us to meditate more deeply on His life. “The origin…of the Rosary as such is the Holy Bible,” Patrick said. He explained that its traditional 150 Hail Marys parallel the Bible’s 150 Psalms. More importantly, the mysteries draw our attention to pivotal moments in the life of Christ. The Joyful Mysteries take us through events including the Annunciation, Nativity, and Presentation. The Sorrowful Mysteries lead us into Christ’s Passion and Death, the Glorious Mysteries begin with His Resurrection and Ascension, and the Luminous Mysteries help us focus on the moments of light in Christ's life. “The idea behind the Rosary is to meditate upon the mysteries of the life of Christ,” Patrick explained. The Rosary also asks the Blessed Virgin Mary to intercede for us as we contemplate her Son. As Patrick told Al, approaching the prayer this way can help us go deeper in the Bible. For anyone wanting to understand the Rosary more deeply, Patrick recommended Pope Saint John Paul II’s apostolic letter Rosarium Virginis Mariae, which explores the prayer’s biblical and theological dimensions. The Rosary is an invitation to walk through the Gospel with Mary while keeping our attention fixed on Jesus. 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.

Priesthood can bring unique challenges, including loneliness and isolation. On The Tim Glemkowski Show, Tim spoke with Father Max Behna about the Companions of Christ, an association offering diocesan priests another way: pursuing their vocation in intentional community. The Companions remain diocesan priests serving parishes, but they commit to a rule of life centered on communion with Jesus and fraternity with brother priests. “It’s just this intentional lifestyle of trying to pursue holiness, be in communion with Jesus, but to do that together with brother priests,” Father Behna explained. That includes regular meals, prayer, study, and, when permitted by the bishop, living together even while serving separate assignments. Father Behna currently lives with two other priests. Together, they pray a Holy Hour every morning. The Companions also voluntarily embrace the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience according to their priestly vocation. The goal is not simply companionship for its own sake, but a common life that strengthens each priest’s relationship with Christ and his service to God’s people. The model is not for every diocesan priest, Father Behna emphasized. But for those called to it, brotherhood can offer important protection against isolation while fostering holiness and mission. As Tim observed, “Communion is the ground of mission.” The Companions of Christ offer a compelling example of what that communion can look like: priests praying, growing, and serving together. 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.

On Trending with Timmerie, Timmerie raises serious concerns about organ procurement and the need to protect patients whose lives may still hang in the balance. She points to federal proceedings involving Network for Hope in Kentucky. According to the information Timmerie shared, federal officials reviewed 351 cases from 2021–2024 in which organ donation had been authorized but not completed. Of those, 103 raised concerns, including 73 patients who reportedly displayed neurological signs incompatible with proceeding with organ donation. The issue became frighteningly concrete in the case of Anthony “TJ” Hoover. As Timmerie recounts, Hoover was being prepared for organ donation when he began moving and showing other signs of consciousness. Thankfully, the procedure was stopped, and he survived. For Catholics, the concern goes beyond medical procedure. Every human person possesses inherent dignity, and a patient must never be treated merely as a potential source of organs. Timmerie argues that these reports should prompt careful scrutiny of how brain death and death itself are determined in practice. Medicine must remain ordered toward the good of the patient, especially when that patient cannot speak for himself. The controversy is ultimately a reminder that end-of-life decisions demand prudence, clarity, and unwavering respect for human life. As Timmerie emphasizes, the wisdom of the Church can help Catholics navigate difficult questions surrounding treatment, suffering, and natural death. 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.

Julie from Indianapolis, Indiana, called Family Rosary Across America with one big prayer request: safety for her family’s adventure in the Alps. Her 41-year-old son is taking on an incredible 107-mile ultramarathon, while his 6-year-old son will run a 3-kilometer race. Father Rocky promised prayers—and made one request of his own: “He’s got to send a picture of him at the end of the race.” 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.

What do you do when your extended family repeatedly disrespects your spouse? On Marriage Unhindered, Doug Hinderer responds to a husband whose sister has repeatedly insulted his wife while his mother dismisses the behavior as simply “who she is.” Now, the couple is considering distancing themselves from the family altogether. Doug’s message is clear: Ignoring bad behavior doesn’t create peace. “You don’t solve problems by ignoring them or brushing them under the rug,” he says. The husband’s wife suggested sitting down with the family to clear the air and establish expectations. Doug agrees with the idea, but says the husband needs to take responsibility for addressing his own family. “In marriage, I mean, here’s the rule, okay? The husband handles problems with his side of the family and the wife handles problems with her side of the family.” Rather than confronting everyone at once, Doug recommends beginning with a brief, direct conversation with the sister. The goal isn’t to debate whether her opinions about his wife are justified. Instead, the husband should calmly explain that criticism, belittling, and cruel remarks toward his wife will no longer be tolerated. If the disrespect continues, consequences may be necessary, including stepping away from family gatherings. That can feel drastic, especially when children are involved. But Doug challenges the assumption that children always benefit from relationships with extended family. If relatives are consistently dysfunctional, disrespectful, or cruel, creating distance may actually protect the child. Ultimately, marriage changes a person’s primary earthly family commitment. The husband himself pointed to Scripture’s teaching that a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife. Doug says his extended family needs to understand that if they force him to choose, “You’re going to choose her.” Setting boundaries isn’t about retaliation. It’s about protecting your marriage, refusing to enable destructive behavior, and making clear that your spouse deserves kindness and respect. 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.

The Relevant Radio family celebrated a beautiful answer to prayer this week as Maggie shared the joyful news that baby Riley was born healthy after a scheduled C-section. Riley’s parents had previously asked listeners to pray for their long-awaited “miracle walk-to-marry baby,” and those prayers were answered. Fr. Rocky responded with heartfelt gratitude, thanking God and reflecting on the many prayers offered through the Family Rosary Across America. “Thanks be to God,” he said. “I'm happy for the baby, happy for the parents, and happy the prayers have been answered.” It was a moving reminder that God hears the prayers of His people and that the Relevant Radio family continues to unite in faith, hope, and trust through every joy and every trial. 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.

Many Catholics long for others to discover the beauty of Eucharistic Adoration. On The Inner Life, a caller named Cindy shared her heartfelt desire to see Adoration Chapels filled with people who truly believe Jesus is present – Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity – in the Blessed Sacrament. Cindy spoke of the joy she experiences in Adoration and her hope that others would encounter the same peace. She often invites friends to visit the chapel, but wonders what more Catholics can do to inspire belief in the Real Presence. Monsignor Thomas Richter encouraged her not to lose heart. "It requires having a fire in one's heart, and you clearly have that," he said. He reminded Cindy that while we can “witness to our love for the Eucharist, only God can awaken supernatural faith in another person.” His advice was simple: entrust that longing to Jesus. Pray for those He desires to draw to Himself, remain faithful, and continue inviting others with love. Our witness matters, but ultimately Christ is the One who calls every soul into His Eucharistic presence. 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.

What if marriage isn't simply a human institution, but part of God's plan from the very beginning of creation? On Marriage Unhindered, Doug Hinderer welcomes biblical scholar Dr. John Bergsma to discuss his book Love Basics for Catholics. Together, they explore how the opening chapters of Genesis reveal marriage as a reflection of God's own nature. Dr. Bergsma explains that Adam, formed from the virgin soil of the earth, points forward to Christ, the "new Adam," whose Resurrection began from a virgin tomb. From Genesis to the Resurrection, Scripture reveals God's desire to enter into a covenant of love with His people. The conversation centers on a striking claim from Dr. Bergsma's book: "God created the world for marriage." Throughout Scripture, God describes His relationship with His people in spousal terms, culminating in Christ's union with His Church. Every Christian marriage reflects that divine love. Dr. Bergsma also highlights how the creation of man and woman in God's image points to the mystery of the Holy Trinity. Husband and wife become "one flesh," and their love naturally opens itself to new life, offering a beautiful glimpse of the communion of persons within God Himself. Far from being merely a social institution, marriage is an icon of God's love and an invitation to participate in His divine life. It's a reminder that every faithful marriage tells the greatest love story ever written. 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.

Catholic funerals have increasingly begun to resemble celebrations of life rather than sacred moments of prayer for the deceased. On The Drew Mariani Show, Drew welcomed Bishop Thomas Paprocki of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois to discuss why several U.S. bishops are reinforcing long-standing Catholic funeral practices. Bishop Paprocki explained that these updated policies are not introducing anything new. Instead, they are meant to preserve the Church's understanding of the funeral liturgy amid what he called "liturgical anomalies" that have become more common in recent years. "Our culture's discomfort with death" has shifted the focus, the bishop noted, replacing prayers for the soul with personal tributes, lengthy eulogies, and celebrations centered almost entirely on the life of the deceased. Drew shared his own experience attending a relative's non-Catholic memorial service and lamented the absence of the funeral Mass. Bishop Paprocki acknowledged that while individuals may choose not to have a Catholic funeral, it is especially heartbreaking when faithful Catholics are denied the rites of the Church because family members no longer practice the Faith. The bishop also reminded listeners that a Catholic funeral is intended to unfold in three parts: the vigil, the Funeral Mass, and the committal at the cemetery. Together, these rites pray for the deceased, offer comfort to the grieving, and proclaim the Christian hope of the Resurrection. The conversation also addressed the growing practice of scattering cremated remains or keeping ashes at home. While recognizing families' desire to honor loved ones, Bishop Paprocki emphasized the importance of treating the body with dignity and following the Church's funeral rites. In the end, the discussion served as a timely reminder that a Catholic funeral is not primarily about looking back on someone's life, but about entrusting that person to God's mercy and praying for the repose of his or her soul. 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.

What if the greatest blessing in your life arrived wrapped in fear? On The Mark Swartzberg Show, Heather Avis, founder of The Lucky Few and mother of two children with Down syndrome, shared how God transformed her understanding of disability, belonging, and the dignity of every human person. When Heather and her husband learned the little girl they hoped to adopt had Down syndrome, they were met with discouraging voices that treated the diagnosis as a tragedy. Yet everything changed the moment she held her daughter in her arms. “I remember saying out loud, ‘I don't know what I was so afraid of,’ because in my hands was a baby.” That encounter replaced fear with love and opened Heather’s eyes to the unique gift her daughter would be to their family. As her children grew, Heather came to reject the idea that disability is something to be “fixed.” Instead, she discovered that every person is intentionally created by God. Speaking about Down syndrome, she reflected that God lovingly formed each of her children exactly as they are, reminding us that every human life reflects His goodness. That conviction shaped her mission to help children recognize that they belong. Through her books, Heather encourages young readers to see themselves – and others – as worthy of love, not because of accomplishments, but because they are made in the image of God. Her message extends beyond families affected by disability. In a culture driven by comparison and achievement, Heather offers a refreshing reminder that our value is not earned. We don't need to become someone else to deserve love. We already belong. As Mark reflected during their conversation, this truth echoes what so many experience before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament: the peace of simply being loved as we are. When we begin to see ourselves through God's eyes, we become free to recognize the dignity and beauty in every person we meet. 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.

Supporting artists has become more complicated in a culture where personal activism often accompanies creative work. On The Patrick Madrid Show, Patrick Madrid responds to a listener who wonders how Catholics can encourage the arts without indirectly supporting ideas that contradict the Faith. Patrick explains that prudence is key. If an artist openly promotes causes that oppose fundamental moral truths, Catholics should thoughtfully consider whether purchasing that work is appropriate. At the same time, he distinguishes between an artist's personal beliefs and the work itself. In some cases, it is possible to appreciate music, literature, or other art without endorsing everything about the person who created it. The conversation also explores how propaganda differs from genuine art. Patrick and Cyrus share examples of entertainment that intentionally pushes an ideological message, noting that when advocacy becomes the central purpose of a work, it can be wise to simply walk away. Ultimately, Patrick encourages listeners to form their consciences rather than adopt a one-size-fits-all rule. When an artist's public activism directly conflicts with the Catholic Faith, choosing not to support that work can be a meaningful witness. In other situations, separating the art from the artist may be reasonable. The discussion serves as a reminder that Catholics are called to seek what is true, good, and beautiful while exercising charity, prudence, and sound judgment in every decision. 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.

In a culture where many men grew up without strong examples of fatherhood, how can they learn to lead their families well? On Trending with Timmerie, Dr. John Bishop offers a hopeful answer: they don't have to figure it out alone. Dr. Bishop acknowledges the challenges facing fathers today but believes this moment presents a unique opportunity to rediscover authentic masculinity through the wisdom of the Catholic Church. Research consistently points to the lasting impact of an involved father, especially one who actively lives his faith. Fathers play a vital role not only in their children's emotional well-being but also in passing on the Faith to the next generation. Rather than looking to today's culture for answers, Dr. Bishop encourages men to seek out faithful mentors. "The best thing that you can do is immerse yourself in a community of other men that you want to respect," he says. Learning from older husbands and fathers provides practical guidance on everything from leading a family to navigating life's everyday struggles. Timmerie echoes that challenge, urging older generations to pass on both practical skills and life experience with encouragement instead of criticism. Whether it's repairing a car, fixing things around the house, or simply modeling faithful family life, those relationships can help bridge the growing divide between generations. Both agree that strong families are built through authentic community. As men learn from those who have walked the path before them, they gain confidence to become loving husbands, faithful fathers, and spiritual leaders in their own homes. 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.

Why are many young men returning to faith while fewer young women are? On The Tim Glemkowski Show, Tim Glemkowski and Mallory Smyth explore a question facing the Church today and offer a hopeful path forward. Mallory suggests that many young men have found relatable voices online who speak confidently about faith and purpose. Young women, however, often struggle to find mentors who understand their experiences. Many have grown up believing that freedom means unlimited options, making the Gospel's call to sacrifice seem restrictive rather than life-giving. But what if the better question isn't, "How can I be the most free?" but "How can I be the most fulfilled?" Drawing from her own experience as a wife and mother, Mallory reflects on the surprising joy that comes through self-giving love. Modern culture often teaches that life is primarily about personal achievement, yet the demands of family reveal a different path, one where fulfillment is found in loving others. "I spend most of my days just literally cleaning up spilled milk," she says. "I'm not always happy. I'm so fulfilled." Tim notes that helping young women embrace this vision won't happen through a single conversation. It requires patient mentorship, authentic relationships, and women willing to walk alongside others as "older sisters" in the Faith. Mallory concludes with a message of hope. The Christian life requires sacrifice, but through God's grace it becomes a path to real joy and sanctification. She believes many young women long for that deeper purpose. They simply need someone to show them the way. 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.

On the Family Rosary Across America, Fr. Rocky welcomed 8-year-old twins Liam and Caleb from Jacksonville, Florida. Both boys called with the same heartfelt intention: prayers for their mother as she battles cancer. Liam shared that his mom had recently undergone major surgery and chemotherapy. Along with asking for her healing, he added another intention that reflected the innocence of a child's heart: “I want the world to have peace, no war... and I want Mommy to have speedy recovery.” Caleb echoed his brother's faith-filled request. “Please pray for Mommy to help with her cancer problems... Please pray for speedy recovery too.” Moved by their love for their mother, Fr. Rocky assured them that listeners across the country would join them in prayer. “The whole country is going to pray for complete and speedy recovery of your mother because you love her so much. Please, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, come to her aid.” Their call was a beautiful reminder that childlike faith trusts God completely and that no prayer is ever offered alone when the Relevant Radio family comes together in the Rosary. 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.

Eighty-year-old Francis from Buckeye, Arizona, called The Inner Life with a question many faithful Catholics quietly carry: How do I know if my guilty thoughts come from my conscience—or from the enemy? Although Francis regularly prays and goes to confession, he admitted that fears about his past keep returning. He wondered if he should make a general confession because he never feels certain he's done enough. Guest Fr. Nicholas Federspiel offered a memorable way to recognize those discouraging thoughts: beware of "UFOs" – Untruths that lead to False narratives and prompt Overreactions. The lie Francis believed was that he wasn't good enough for Heaven. Instead of dwelling on that fear, he was encouraged to proclaim the truth out loud. Together, they repeated a simple affirmation: "I am Francis. Jesus loves me in Buckeye, Arizona. I had 80 great years of heartbeats. And Jesus' promises include me." The message wasn't about ignoring sin or avoiding repentance. It was a reminder to trust God's mercy after sincerely seeking His forgiveness. Persistent accusations that lead only to fear and despair are not the voice of the Good Shepherd. Deacon Patrick Conley echoed that encouragement, reminding Francis that staying close to Christ through prayer and faithful Catholic resources helps keep those anxious thoughts at bay. When fear tells you that God's mercy couldn't possibly include you, answer it with the truth. Christ's promises are for every repentant heart—including yours. 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.

Summer brings family trips to the beach and afternoons by the pool, but for many parents, it also raises difficult questions about modesty. On Marriage Unhindered, Doug Hinderer responds to a father struggling to guide his 17-year-old daughter through a culture that often treats modesty as outdated. Doug encourages parents not to see modesty as merely a dress code, but as a lesson in human dignity. Drawing from Pope Saint John Paul II’s Love and Responsibility, he explains that modesty protects the person from being reduced to an object. Every person is called to be loved for who they are, not simply for how they look. He offers a memorable image: a woman’s body should be treated with the same reverence we give a tabernacle. Just as the tabernacle bears the presence of Christ, the feminine body carries the incredible dignity of being ordered toward the gift of new life. That truth deserves respect, not commodification. Speaking from experience as the father of four daughters, Doug acknowledges these conversations are rarely easy. He believes fathers have a unique responsibility to help their daughters understand how men often think visually and why modesty matters. Rather than focusing on shame or rigid rules, he encourages parents to teach that clothing should never distract from a person's true beauty: their character, intelligence, and soul. Doug also reminds parents that this battle requires perseverance. Today's fashions and cultural messages often make modest choices difficult, but parents shouldn't be discouraged by resistance. Loving guidance, clear expectations, and consistent conversations help form virtues that will serve children for a lifetime. In a world that often measures worth by appearance, modesty becomes a quiet witness to something greater: every person possesses an inherent dignity that deserves reverence. Helping children embrace that truth is one of the most important gifts parents can give. 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.

St. Bridget of Sweden is remembered as one of the Church’s great mystics, but before her extraordinary visions, she lived an ordinary life. She was a wife, mother of eight, and faithfully carried out the daily responsibilities of family life. It was through that ordinary fidelity that God prepared her for an extraordinary mission. On The Drew Mariani Show, Drew reflected on how a childhood vision of Christ crucified transformed St. Bridget’s life. Moved by Our Lord’s Passion, she developed a lifelong devotion to His suffering and later helped spread prayers that continue to inspire Catholics today. Drew also highlighted the devotion to the Seven Sorrows of Mary, encouraging listeners to meditate on Our Lady’s sorrows alongside Christ’s Passion. He noted that this devotion, renewed through the approved apparitions at Kibeho, Rwanda, offers a powerful way to grow closer to Jesus and to seek Our Lady’s maternal intercession during life's trials. Another treasure associated with St. Bridget is the Pietà Prayer Book, which contains the well-known Fifteen Prayers attributed to her. While many promises have circulated alongside these prayers, Drew offered an important reminder: the Church approves these prayers for private devotion but has not authenticated the supernatural origin of every promise associated with them. The value of these prayers is found above all in their invitation to contemplate Christ’s saving love. Whether you're praying for healing, peace in your family, or the strength to persevere through difficult circumstances, St. Bridget’s example reminds us that authentic devotion always leads us deeper into the Heart of Christ. 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. Image Credit: Carlston Marcks, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

What would it be like to spend more than three days on the surface of the moon? For astronaut and geologist Harrison Schmitt, the last living Apollo astronaut to have walked on the moon, the experience was unforgettable, not only because of the historic mission, but because it offered a remarkable perspective on God's creation. Speaking with Mark on The Mark Swartzberg Show, Schmitt reflected on Apollo 17, the final lunar landing. While many remember the moonwalks, he emphasized that the entire Apollo program was significant, both historically and scientifically. As the mission's geologist, Schmitt and his crewmates explored a valley deeper than the Grand Canyon, spending hours collecting samples and studying the moon's surface. But perhaps the most memorable view wasn't the moon at all. It was Earth. During the three-day journey to the moon, Schmitt watched weather systems shift across the globe and captured the now-famous "Blue Marble" photograph. Looking back, he saw our planet as "a remarkable planet to look at, a product of creation, of course." His scientific background only strengthened his appreciation for the Creator. As Schmitt explained, the more scientists learn about the universe, the more striking its precision becomes. Reflecting on the fine-tuning required for life to exist, he observed that "it is so fine-tuned for the occurrence of life that you almost have to end up thinking of an infinitely intelligent Creator." For Schmitt, scientific discovery and faith are not in conflict. Instead, studying creation points beyond itself to the wisdom of the One who made it. Whether viewed from the surface of the earth or from nearly 240,000 miles away, creation proclaims the glory of God. Schmitt's remarkable journey reminds us that every new discovery can deepen our sense of wonder and gratitude for the Creator who fashioned such an extraordinary universe. 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.

Artificial intelligence is changing the world at a breathtaking pace, but what happens if it changes the way we work—and even whether we work at all? On The Patrick Madrid Show, Patrick responded to a thoughtful listener who worried that AI could rob people of purpose, leading to greater loneliness, anxiety, and depression. As a homeschooling mother, she had already seen how excessive technology affected her own son, who rediscovered peace and joy after spending the summer doing physically demanding work. Patrick agreed that meaningful work is an essential part of being human, pointing to the Church’s rich teaching on the dignity of labor. But he also encouraged listeners to consider another possibility. What if advances in AI eventually free people from monotonous or tedious jobs? Throughout history, technological innovations like washing machines and refrigerators have eliminated certain kinds of work while creating entirely new opportunities. Patrick suggested AI could follow a similar pattern. Rather than seeing only the dangers, he invited listeners to imagine the potential benefits: more time for creativity, stronger family relationships, and even deeper spiritual lives. “If we... use these tools in a virtuous way, with an eye toward improving things... think about prayer, think about the other things that could come full flower as a result of people not having to go to work every day.” Co-host Cyrus raised an important concern about the difficult transition period as jobs change. Patrick acknowledged that disruption is real but noted that history shows people have consistently adapted to new technologies and found new ways to contribute. While the future of AI remains uncertain, Patrick encouraged a balanced perspective, one that recognizes both its risks and its possibilities. Technology is not good nor bad; what matters is how we choose to use it. 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.

What happens when one young Catholic refuses to settle for a lukewarm faith? On The Tim Glemkowski Show, Dan DeMatte shares how a deep encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist transformed not only his own life but also the lives of thousands of young people. As a teenager, Dan was struck by the passion he saw in evangelical Christian communities. While he appreciated his Catholic upbringing, he longed for Catholics who spoke openly about Jesus and lived with missionary zeal. Everything changed when he encountered Christ in the Eucharist. "I want to provide to the young Church what I feel like the Church didn't provide me as a young person," Dan recalls. At just 18 years old, after serving with NET Ministries, he began inviting teens to his mother's living room. Within weeks, 72 young people were gathering to pray. The crowds grew so quickly that neighbors mistook the meetings for a wild party and called the police. Soon afterward, Dan approached a local priest and asked to become the parish youth minister. Before long, more than 500 young people were participating. That grassroots ministry eventually became Damascus, a Catholic missionary movement dedicated to helping young people encounter Jesus and become lifelong disciples. What began as one week of summer camp for 63 middle school students has grown into multiple camp locations serving thousands each summer, while training young adults to embrace a missionary lifestyle rooted in the Holy Spirit. For Dan, the mission has always been about more than camp. "We consider ourselves a Catholic missionary movement that serves the young Church," he says. When one person says "yes" to Christ, the Holy Spirit can accomplish far more than we could ever imagine. 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.

Advances in medicine can bring incredible hope, but not every breakthrough is a moral option. On Trending with Timmerie, Timmerie welcomed Father Nicanor Astriaco, O.P., a Dominican priest, molecular biologist, and bioethicist, to discuss the growing practice of womb transplants and what the Catholic Church teaches about this emerging technology. Womb transplants are currently used for women born without a uterus, allowing them to carry a pregnancy through in vitro fertilization (IVF). While the procedure may seem compassionate on the surface, Father Astriaco explained that it carries serious ethical concerns for the recipient, the donor, and the unborn child. At the heart of the discussion is the difference between two competing views of ethics. Modern secular medicine often emphasizes personal autonomy and freedom. Catholic bioethics, however, begins with the dignity of every human person and the principle to "first do no harm." "The fulfillment of her aspirations cannot trump the health risks to all involved," Father Astriaco explained, noting that every womb transplant requires powerful immune-suppressing drugs and currently depends on IVF, which itself is immoral. The conversation also explored the exploitation often tied to surrogacy, particularly in developing countries where poverty can pressure women into carrying children for wealthy couples. Father Astriaco warned that these arrangements can blur the line between consent and coercion, placing vulnerable women at greater risk of exploitation and even human trafficking. As new reproductive technologies continue to develop, Timmerie reminded listeners that the question is never simply whether something is medically possible, but whether it truly respects the dignity of every human life involved. The Church invites us to approach these difficult questions with both compassion and truth, recognizing that authentic medical care should always protect the health, dignity, and God-given value of every person. 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.

During Family Rosary Across America, Pat from Orland Park, Illinois, called to thank Father Rocky for helping her family navigate an extraordinary grace: her son-in-law, Scott, was received into the Catholic Church despite living with younger-onset Alzheimer's disease. Pat shared that the day "couldn't have been more perfect." At St. Isaac's Parish – the same parish where Scott and his wife, Tracy, raised their daughters – a young priest, Father Christian, welcomed Scott into the Church while filling in for their pastor. Pat described Scott's peaceful demeanor as nothing short of remarkable. "It was like the Holy Spirit was right inside of him in the church," she said. Father Rocky remembered encouraging Pat to begin the process through her local parish, and he rejoiced to hear how beautifully everything came together. Learning that Scott had been baptized and received into the Church, he reflected on the gift of God's grace working even amid the difficult cross of Alzheimer's. Pat's heartfelt gratitude serves as a reminder that no obstacle is too great for God. Through the support of a faithful family, a welcoming parish, and the work of the Holy Spirit, Scott received the greatest gift of all: full communion with the Catholic Church. 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.

God’s creation has a remarkable way of drawing our hearts back to Him if we take the time to notice. On The Inner Life, Fr. Tom Wilson reflected on the Catholic call to care for creation, reminding listeners that we are not owners of the world but stewards of the gifts God has entrusted to us. Caring for nature, he explained, is ultimately an act of gratitude toward the Creator, not a replacement for worshiping Him. That truth came alive through the stories of several callers. Marina from Vancouver shared how, during a painful season in her life, she asked God for a simple sign of His love: a four-leaf clover. Instead, she and her daughter discovered more than 190 that very day. Decades later, her garden continues to produce four-leaf clovers, which she presses into Bibles and gives to people who are struggling as a reminder of God's love and faithfulness. Another caller, Jan, described the breathtaking beauty of Hawaii and how moments like watching a sunset can stir wonder and gratitude. But she also encouraged listeners to find that same beauty close to home, even in wildflowers during an ordinary walk. Finally, Deacon Jeff shared how living in the quiet woods of Maine has taught him to hear God more clearly. Away from constant noise and distractions, he finds peace in the sounds of creation and the silence that makes room for prayer. Whether it's a backyard garden, a mountain view, or a quiet walk through the neighborhood, creation invites us to slow down, marvel at God's handiwork, and remember that every good gift points back to the One who made it all. 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.

When a child struggles with mental illness, parents often carry a unique kind of heartache. A mother named Tracey called in to Marriage Unhindered seeking guidance after years of watching her adult daughter, who has been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, keep her family at a distance despite their desire to help. Tracey described unanswered texts, canceled plans, and the painful reality that her daughter seemed more comfortable relying on her in-laws than on her own parents. As grandparents, they longed to be more involved in the lives of their young grandchildren but weren't sure how to bridge the growing divide. Doug Hinderer acknowledged the deep pain of the situation while reminding listeners that personality disorders can profoundly affect relationships. People living with borderline personality disorder often struggle with emotional regulation, fear, and trust, making healthy relationships especially challenging. Rather than responding with frustration or taking the rejection personally, Doug encouraged the caller to lead with unconditional love. "When she's being difficult to love, it's really not her. It's the disease that's talking," he explained. While that doesn't erase the hurt, it can help family members respond with greater compassion. Doug also emphasized the importance of patience. Progress is often slow, especially with chronic mental health conditions. He encouraged Tracey to keep interactions positive and affirming whenever opportunities arise, while respecting her daughter's boundaries. He also suggested seeking guidance from a therapist experienced in personality disorders, both to better understand the illness and to learn practical ways to support a loved one. Finally, Doug reminded listeners that prayer remains an essential part of caring for those who struggle with mental illness. Even in seasons of distance, God continues to work. Families are called to persevere in hope, trusting that steadfast love, professional support, and God's grace can open doors that seem firmly closed. 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.