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, Fr. Hathaway talks about the virtue of kindness, which is the school's virtue of the month.

He also encouraged school families to buy a special 230th-year parish anniversary edition of Basilica-opoly, which is a divinely inspired twist on the classic real estate game. The game, for 2-6 players, is fun for all ages and all levels of devotion. Click here to pay and to make an order. Or inquire at the school office.

Also, all are invited to a Choral Rosary, with Eucharistic adoration, this Sunday, Sept. 7, at 7 p.m., in honor of the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is officially celebrated on Sept. 8.

Father John Meyerhofer, a parochial vicar, shares a homily during the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time. It was given in the Basilica on August 31, 2025.

In this episode, the monthly series called "What Are the Sisters Reading?" continues. My guest for the month of September is from the Daughters of Saint Paul. Sister Julia Darrenkamp, FSP, shares about a book called "The Life of Jesus" by Andrea Tornielli, which interlaces the Gospels, the author's impactful and imaginative reflections, and includes the inspiring insights of Pope Francis.

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.

In honor of Labor Day, Father Edward Hathaway, the Rector of the Basilica, reads a meditation from the book by Francis Fernandez-Carvajal called "In Conversation with God: Meditations for Each Day of the Year," Volume 4, weeks 13 to 23. This particular meditation is called "Loving our Daily Work: The Example of Saint Paul."

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 talks about the importance of growing in the virtues.

He also encouraged school families to buy a special 230th-year parish anniversary edition of Basilica-opoly, which is a divinely inspired twist on the classic real estate game. The game, for 2-6 players, is fun for all ages and all levels of devotion. It's on sale for Basilica School families for $25 through August 31, 2025. The price goes up to $35 for all school and parish families on September 1, 2025. Click here to pay and to make an order. Or inquire at the school office.

In this episode, several members of the Basilica's Ministries to the Youth, Young Adults, and Young Families share about the various ways these ministries are gearing up to help bring youths, young adults and young families closer to Christ. Those interviewed include Mariane Staron, the director of the ministries; Nathan Karls, the assistant director, youth ministries; and Basia Syski, the program assistant for youth, young adults and young families. Please go to our parish website for more information: www.stmaryoldtown.org/yaya. 

Father Moses Tamale, a visiting priest, shares a homily during the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time. It was given in the Basilica on August 17, 2025.

In this episode, the monthly series called "What Are the Sisters Reading?" continues. For the month of August, Sister Kathryn Hermes, FSP, shares about a book called "The Selected Poetry of Jessica Powers," an anthology of poetry by a Carmelite nun who has been hailed as one of America's greatest religious poets.

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.

Today's guest is Caitrin Bennett -- a Catholic author and local homechooling mother who recently wrote a book called "Holier Matrimony: Married Saints, Catholic Vows, and Sacramental Grace." Caitrin will share a brief preview of the talk she's going to give about her book on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at 7 p.m. in our Lyceum Auditorium. All are invited.

Father John Meyerhofer, a parochial vicar, shares a homily during the Fifteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time. It was given in the Basilica on July 13, 2025.