Basilica of Saint Mary Podcast

Father Edward Hathaway, the Rector of the Basilica, shares a homily during the Third Sunday of Easter. It was given in the Basilica on May 4, 2025.

Transitional Deacon David Tines has been helping out at the Basilica since last August as part of his final year as a seminarian at Mount Saint Mary's Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland. His home diocese is the Diocese of Lincoln, Nebraska, where he will be ordained on May 24, 2025. His last weekend helping out at the parish was April 26-27, 2025. In this interview, he reflects on his time at the parish.

In this episode, the monthly series called "What Are the Sisters Reading?" continues. For the month of May, Sister Emily Beata Marsh, FSP, and Sister Kathryn James, FSP, share about a book called "Eucharistic Amazement: Experience the Wonder of the Mass," by Father Randy Stice, the director of the Office of Worship and Liturgy for the Diocese of Knoxville.

The book weaves together liturgy, catechesis, the Catholic mystical tradition, insights from the saints, and practical ways to grow in your Eucharistic faith and devotion. Reawaken to the power and wonder of the Mass with this journey through the treasures of the Church's sacramental and liturgical tradition, featuring stunning insights on the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist from Saints Teresa of Ávila, Faustina Kowalska, and John Chrysostom. Profound yet accessible, Eucharistic Amazement speaks to your mind, will, and heart to help you live a more vibrant Eucharistic life.

To check out more books on the Catholic faith and religious items of interest at the Pauline Books and Media Center at 1025 King Street in Alexandria, please click here.

Deacon Alex Solsma, a transitional deacon, shares a short reflection on Divine Mercy during Divine Mercy Sunday. It was recorded in the Basilica on April 27, 2025.

Deacon Aaron Zanca, a transitional deacon, shares a homily, his first, during the Second Sunday of Easter. It was recorded in the Basilica on April 27, 2025.

Deacon Alex Solsma, a transitional deacon, shares a homily, his first, during the Second Sunday of Easter. It was recorded in the Basilica on April 27, 2025.

Father Joseph Townsend, a parochial vicar, shares a homily during the Second Sunday of Easter. It was given in the Basilica on April 27, 2025.

After the 12:10 p.m. Mass on April 25, 2025, Father Edward Hathaway, the Rector of the Basilica, led a recitation of the Glorious Mysteries of the Holy Rosary, with musical meditations, for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis.

Faith Matters is a new bi-weekly Basilica of Saint Mary podcast that features conversations with Father Edward Hathaway, the Rector of the Basilica, on topics of interest to Basilica parishioners and the Universal Church. Today's episode centers on the recent death of Pope Francis and the upcoming ordinations to the transitional diaconate of two Basilica parishioners and seminarians, Alex Solsma and Aaron Zanca. This episode was recorded on April 24th, 2025.

Join us to pray a Choral Rosary for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis after the 12:10 p.m. Mass on Friday, April 25, 2025. Click here for more information: https://stmaryoldtown.org/popefrancis

Join us to celebrate Alex Solsma and Aaron Zanca becoming Transitional Deacons, as Alex will preach at the 11:30 a.m. Mass on Sunday, April 27, 2025, and Aaron will preach at the 1 p.m. Mass on that Sunday. Receptions for each will follow each of those Masses in our Lyceum Auditorium. Click here for more information: https://stmaryoldtown.org/alexaaron

Join us also on Divine Mercy Sunday for a Holy Hour at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 27, as Alex will preach a short reflection. The Divine Mercy Chaplet will be recited. Aaron will also be assisting. Click here for more information: https://stmaryoldtown.org/divinemercysunday2025