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 reflects on the importance of promoting the common good by voting "no" on two amendments on November's ballot in Virginia -- one of which threatens the human right to life and the other the truth of marriage.

He also invites all parishioners to celebrate the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary with us in the Basilica on Tuesday, Sept. 8, at 7 p.m. We will pray a Choral Roary -- a selection of Marian hymns and choral works during the recitation of the Joyful Mysteries. There will be a celebratory reception afterward hosted by the Legion of Mary.

To learn more about the Catholics Vote No campaign, click here. That link includes Bishop Burbidge's short video Fr. Hathaway mentions in the episode. Click here to listen to a podcast feauting Bishop Burbidge that Fr. Hathaway also alludes to.

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Father Edward Hathaway, the Rector at the Basilica, shares a homily during The Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time. It was given in the Basilica on August 30, 2026.

The monthly series called "What Are the Sisters Reading?" continues with Sister Catherine Lucia Phoebe, FSP, reflecting about two books -- one she translated ("The Collected Works of Saint Rafael Arnaiz") -- and the other -- "Brother Rafael and the Rainy-Day Devils" -- is a children's book she wrote. Each one is focused on Saint Rafael Arnaiz, a Spanish saint, whose short life of holiness illustrate to us the joys and struggles of striving to live for God alone.

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.

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 wecomes school families back to school and shares two inspirational quotes.

He also invites all school families whose children participate in CYO sports to be a part of "CYO Kick-Off Day." During the 8:30 a.m. Mass this Saturday, Aug. 29th, our CYO athletes and coaches will receive a special blessing from Father Hathaway as they prepare to compete, serve, and grow together during the upcoming CYO sports year. After the Mass, there will be a celebration at the Basilica School of Saint Mary, where you can meet other CYO families, connect with our program community, and enjoy a fun morning together as we kick off the year. Click here to find out more and to RSVP to attend the event at the school.

Father John Meyerhofer, a Parochial Vicar at the Basilica, shares a homily during The Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time. It was given in the Basilica on August 23, 2026.

Missionary priest Fr. Michael Boathene shares a homily during The Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time. It was given in the Basilica on August 16, 2026.

Father James Searby, a Parochial Vicar at the Basilica, shares a homily during The Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. It was given in the Basilica on August 9, 2026.

The monthly series called "What Are the Sisters Reading?" continues with Sister Emily Beata Marsh, FSP, who shares about a book called "Saint Bernard's Three Course Banquet: Humility, Charity, and Contemplation in the De Gradibus" by Father Bernard Bonowitz as he reflects on Saint Bernard of Clairvaux's short classic, "The Steps of Humility and Pride" (De gradibus humilitatis et superbiæ).

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 at the Basilica, shares a homily during The Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. It was given in the Basilica on July 26, 2026.

Father Christopher Tipton, a priest-in-residence at the parish, shares a homily during the Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. It was given in the Basilica on July 19, 2026.