Basilica of Saint Mary Podcast

The monthly series called "What Are the Sisters Reading?" continues with Sister Catherine Lucia Phoebe, FSP, who shares about a book called "Francesco: A Story of St. Francis of Assisi," by Madeline Pecora Nugent, CFP. In it, the author masterfully weaves together years of research into a compelling biography that reads like a novel. She grounds her work in primary and modern sources, time spent in Assisi, and interviews with Franciscan experts to paint a vivid picture of the world of Saint Francis through the eyes of those who knew him best — and through the words of Francis himself.

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.

Our 2026 summer seminarian, Jonathon Davies, will be helping out at the Basilica from June 8-August 9, 2026, including working with the youth, working in our parish office and helping out at the Masses. Click here to learn more about him.

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 Pope Leo XIV's recent encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas ("Magnificent Humanity"), on Artificial Intelligence. Click here to read/download it.

He also shares that the the parish will pray a Novena to the Sacred Heart after all the Masses on June 3-11 in union with the U.S. Bishops' consecration of the nation to Jesus' Most Sacred Heart on June 11. Click here to learn more.

He also invites all to pray for vocations during a Holy Hour that will also include praise-and-worship music in the Basilica on Friday, June 5, starting at 7 p.m. We will be joined by the National Eucharistic Pilgrims as they stop here during their cross-country pilgrimage with the Blessed Sacrament. Click here for more information.

Father John Meyerhofer, a Parochial Vicar at the Basilica, shares a homily during Pentecost Sunday. It was given in the Basilica on May 24, 2026.

This episode feature Isaiah and Darien Contu, leaders of the parish's Date Night at the Basilica, who talk about how the apostolate helps engaged and married couples reconnect, build practical skills for their relationship, and go out on a date together. The next Date Night occurs on June 12, 2026. Click here for more information.

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 what a blessing the descent of the Holy Spirit was on Pentecost Sunday and how the Holy Spirit can guide families with wisdom, courage, and hope today.

Here is the prayer to the Holy Spirit that he recites at the beginning of the episode:

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

"O Holy Spirit, Soul of my soul, I worship and adore You. Enlighten, guide, strengthen and console me. Tell me what I must to do and command me to do it. I promise to be submissive to all that You permit to happen to me, but only let me know Your will." Amen.

He also invites all to sign up to participate in the 2nd annual Run with Haste 5K walk/run through Old Town on the morning of May 30th. Click here to register and find out more. He also shares information about two Masses that are being held on Memorial Day. Click here to find out more.

Father Peter Clem, a Parochial Vicar at the Basilica, shares a homily during the Seventh Sunday of Easter. It was given in the Basilica on May 17, 2026.

In today's episode, Dr. Nicolas McAfee gave a talk called "Thomas More: Augustinian Statesman." It was recorded in our Lyceum auditorium on May 12, 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, Fr. Hathaway shares about the importance of the Feast of the Ascension, which the Church celebrates on Sunday, May 17.

He also invites all parishioners to attend a special Feast of the Ascension Concert tonight May 14th, in the Basilica at 7 p.m. Click here to reserve your seats and to find out more. He also mentions the recent clergy changes. More information about that can be found here. Also, his 35th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood is on Monday, May 18. Click here for more information on that.

Father Edward Hathaway, the Rector at the Basilica, shares a homily during the Sixth Sunday of Easter. It was given in the Basilica on May 10, 2026.