Basilica of Saint Mary Podcast

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.

Also, Father Hathaway mentions the redesigned Project Rachel site, which you can access by going here: www.helpafterabortion.org

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.

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.

Faith Matters is a weekly podcast for the Messenger newsletter of the Basilica School of Saint Mary, which gets distributed to Basilica School families. It features Father Edward Hathaway, the rector of the Basilica. In this week's episode, he talks about the importance of joy as we celebrate the Third Sunday of Advent this weekend.

Join us for festive refreshments and the Basilica Christmas Tree lighting, along with the singing of Christmas carols, in the Parish Courtyard at 6 p.m. this Sunday, December 14th, and then afterwards, at 7 p.m., for Lessons and Carols in the church. This Sunday is also Bambinelli Sunday. All are invited to bring the baby Jesus from your Nativity set to be blessed at all the Masses, including the Saturday 5 p.m. Vigil Mass.

Coming up: Food donations for less fortunate Alexandria families can be dropped off on Thursday evening, December 18th, or Friday, December 19th, during the day in our Lyceum, as part of the Basilica's Christmas Dinner Basket Program. Click here for more information.

Deacon Samuel Martinez shares a homily during the Second Sunday in Advent. It was recorded on December 7, 2025

Father James Searby, a parochial vicar, offers a reflection on the Third Sorrowful Mystery of the Rosary for our Communal First Saturday for December. It was recorded on December 6, 2025.