Basilica of Saint Mary Podcast

In this episode, listen to several lay speakers talk about why it's important to give to the 2024 Bishop's Lenten Appeal, which supports our Diocese in its mission of sharing the love and mercy of Christ through serving the needy, educating and forming youth, encouraging vocations, promoting a culture of life and assisting the clergy, religious, and lay people who help build and strengthen our diocesan Church. The short talks were recorded during the Masses at the Basilica on on January 27-28, 2024. 

This episode features interviews with three Arlington Diocese seminarians – Jonathan Amgott, Luke Lenhard and Daniel Moreno – who are part of the new propaedeutic stage of priestly formation at Mount Saint Mary Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland. The propaedeutic stage takes place before men begin the Discipleship Stage (i.e., before the study of Philosophy). The program is not an academic year but an opportunity within a formational community for new seminarians to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ, come to a greater knowledge of the Catholic faith, and grow in character and virtue. The seminarians share about their faith journeys and their experiences at the Basilica. 

In this episode, the monthly series called “What Are the Sisters Reading?" continues. For the month of February, Sister Emily Beata Marsh, FSP, shares about a book called "Finding God in the Suffering" by Father Christopher M. Mahar. Guided by the writings of Saint John Paul II on the Christian meaning of human suffering, Fr. Mahar combines theological reflection with narratives from history, literature, Scripture, and the saints to unfold the mysterious truth that “even in suffering, we can find love.” Through short chapters, reflection questions, and prompts for prayer, Fr. Mahar offers encouragement and companionship for those who are suffering and those who love and minister to them.

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.

Local author, Stephen Gabriel, discusses his latest book, “Put Out into the Deep: Become the Apostle You Are Called to Be.”

He and Carlos Briceño, the Basilica’s director of communications and evangelization, will discuss the book on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at 7 p.m. in the Lyceum Auditorium, 313 Duke Street. Their discussion will focus on how, each of us, baptized in Christ, has a mission to bring others into the loving fold of the Church. The author challenges us to take this call seriously. To bravely be Christ’s modern apostles. Please listen to the podcast to learn more and also join us on Feb. 6. Note: copies of the book will be available for sale before and after the discussion. 

Father Bill Casey, a priest with the Fathers of Mercy, a missionary preaching Religious Congregation, shares about what he plans to share in leading a Lenten Parish Mission at the Basilica called “Lent: A Season of God’s Mercy and Love.” The mission will take place from March 11-14, 2024 in the Basilica church. Click here to see the schedule of his talks. 

Father Joseph Townsend, a parochial vicar at the Basilica, shares a homily during the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time. It was given in the Basilica on January 28, 2024.

Father Edward Hathaway, the Rector of the Basilica, shares a homily during the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time. It was given in the Basilica on January 21, 2024.

Father Edward Hathaway, the Rector of the Basilica, shares a homily during the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time. It was given in the Basilica on January 14, 2024.

Father Joseph Townsend, a parochial vicar at the Basilica, shares a homily during the Epiphany of the Lord. It was given in the Basilica on January 7, 2024.

Father Kevin Barnekow, a visiting priest, shares a reflection on the Fourth Luminous Mystery of the Rosary, the Transfiguration of the Lord, during our Communal First Saturday for January. This meditation was recorded on January 6, 2024.