Beginning with enlightening listeners about the traditions and flexibility related to fasting on Ash Wednesday, Patrick addresses common misconceptions and encourages personal devotion. The conversation shifts towards a debate surrounding the relaxing of Lenten disciplines on Sundays, offering clarity and dispelling misunderstandings tied to the observance of Lent. Patrick then discusses social media commentary from a religious individual who expresses divisive views on Catholicism and nationalism, offering a measured response and providing understanding on misconceptions about Catholic traditions. Additionally, the episode explores a recent initiative by evangelical Protestants to create a counter-strategy in response to a rise in conversions to Catholicism, where Patrick shares his thoughts on the effectiveness of Catholic apologetics and emphasizes the natural draw of Protestant seekers to the rich theological depth within the Catholic Church.

 

• Don - What does fasting entail for today? Do I need to go the whole day without food? (01:13)
• Melody - Can you relax your penances on Sundays in Lent? (02:29)
• Patrick responds to a viral X post that states: “America is a Protestant nation… If you don’t like this, leave our country.” (07:08)
• Evangelicals call for strategy to counter rising Protestant conversions to Catholicism (20:48)
• Ben - Should I remove the ashes I received this morning if I go to another Mass on later today? (36:47)
• Felipe - Where do we get the ashes for Ash Wednesday? Why do we have the dating system that we have? (38:49)
• Mary – Is it okay for a lay person to administer the Ashes? (47:00)