Patrick has a thought-provoking discussion on Utah's recent decision to ban the LGBTQ flags in schools and government buildings. He examines the ongoing debate about political neutrality in public spaces. He also touches on the widespread use of antidepressants and shares personal stories about the challenges of medication in parenting.

• Utah has become the first U.S. state to ban the flying of LGBTQ flags from schools and government buildings (00:53)
• Antidepressant use has skyrocketed since Prozac hit the market (11:28)
• Eleanor (8-years-old) - Why was it hard for Jesus not to sin? Why could he be tempted in the desert? (21:32)
• Emmy - I'm agnostic. Where can I start exploring where God exists? (29:52)

Patrick takes a nostalgic trip down memory lane, sharing insights on the transformation of Catholic radio over the years. He discusses the power of prayer through St. Anthony, extending beyond finding lost items to rediscovering faith. Patrick engages with callers, addressing the universal challenges of life, faith, and relationships, and considers the best approaches for difficult conversations with loved ones.

• Susan – My friend is making fun of me for going to Church? What can I do? Also, is it wrong to pray for earthly things? (04:45)
• Patti – Concerning the discussion on Prozac and ADD. I have intimate knowledge that medication does cause a temper and change in personality and can be responsible for a person having seizures. (10:48)
• Patrick responds to a critical email about an event that happened when he was a young father (17:13)
• Stuart - St. Anthony and praying for people who lost their faith (22:49)
• Lynn - I have seen so many things where I felt I needed to say something. I do wish someone pointing things out to me. There is a gentle way of approaching people. (29:23)
• Doug - Patrick you missed an opportunity to be truthful (37:35)
• Joanna – I married a Protestant as a Protestant. I converted to Catholicism later.  Respecting that my husband is head of household, was I disobedient in becoming a Catholic? (45:20)

Patrick explores the importance of confession for spiritual upkeep. Engaging with callers, Patrick uses relatable analogies, comparing confession to daily hygiene and upkeep to emphasize its necessity in spiritual life. Patrick illustrates that confession serves not only as a solution for grave sins but also as a continuous practice for enhancing spiritual growth. The discussion also includes insights from James 5 on sin and the value of having a good spiritual director, offering practical wisdom for deepening one's faith journey.

• Marjorie (email) - A lady from our church went to Confession on a Saturday before Mass 40 years ago.  The priest told her it was not necessary for her to go to Confession because our sins are forgiven during Mass.  She has not gone to Confession since. (00:53)
• Cindy - If we don't go to confession, we make the sin worse. Are we participating in a way with the devil? (11:39)
• Caleb - How would you find a spiritual director? (18:25)
• Terri - Priest told me that you should go to confession as often as you change your sheets, is that good advice? (27:42)
• Tom - James 5: Confess your faults to one another. How does that fit with confession to priest? (29:12)
• Patrick shares some great quotes from some Saints who speak about confessions. (35:33)
• Nina - Is it a mortal sin to go to another church and receive their sacraments? (38:50)
• Jack (10-years-old) - Why didn't God open the gates of Heaven himself? Why did Jesus need to die on the cross? (43:26)
• Anna – Going to confession is a minor inconvenience compared to Jesus dying on the cross (47:38)

This episode of The Patrick Madrid Show is Holy Spirit fire meets tough love. The heart of it? Get your soul to confession: like, now. Not later. Not "someday." Now. 

The Setup: Elizabeth Calls In

Elizabeth from Maine calls in and says:

-She and her friends (all in their 80s!) go to Dunkin’ Donuts every Sunday after Mass 

-One day the conversation turns deep: “Hey, when’s the last time you all went to confession?”

-Turns out... many haven’t gone in years. 

-One friend was even told by a priest that her convert husband didn’t need to go. 

-Elizabeth is heartbroken, literally cried after talking with them 

-But instead of despairing, she calls Patrick Madrid. 

Patrick's Book Recommendation:

“Lord, Have Mercy: The Healing Power of Confession” by Dr. Scott Hahn

A deep, biblical, and soul-nourishing read. Totally recommend if you're rusty on the why behind confession.

Patrick’s Take:

“It is the height of folly for people, especially the elderly, to play fast and loose with their salvation.”

He said this:

-Jesus Himself established confession (John 20). He literally gave the apostles the power to forgive sins. Not a metaphor. Not a warm fuzzy feeling. This is real-deal supernatural stuff.

-You don’t know when your time’s up. And Patrick's like: “Look, you don’t want to be standing before God thinking, ‘Oops, I meant to go.’” 

 Embarrassed to Confess? Patrick’s like:

-Everyone sins. You’re not special in your sin. 

-The priest won't be shocked. He’s heard it all. He probably won’t even remember your face. And he’s got the cure to your soul-sickness. 

The Bottom Line:

Don’t be foolish. Don’t gamble with your eternity. Get to confession.

-Do an examination of conscience 

(Download the Relevant Radio App. It’s got a confession helper built in. No excuses now.)

 -Go confess with humility and sincerity

-Make a real effort to convert and turn away from your past

-Receive God’s grace

-Be free

Final Thought:

Confession isn’t punishment; it’s healing. It’s Jesus saying:

“Let Me restore you to the beauty I created you for.”

So, if it’s been a minute… or a decade…

Go.

Jesus is waiting. The priest is ready. Your soul is worth it. 

Cyrus is back! Also, Patrick tackles some compelling topics, such as the nature of the Eucharist's privilege and the art of responding to Jehovah's Witnesses at your door. Listeners can expect a mix of practical advice and witty banter, making for an hour of enriching Catholic perspective and lively discussion.

• Audio: A conversation between twins in womb (05:02)
• Thomas - Is it ok for priest to deny Communion to people who are late? (08:19)
• Claudia – I was told we only need to receive Communion once a year and there is no need to go to Confession at all. (14:39)
• Patrick shares a story from when he was kid and his Jehovah's Witnesses neighbor predicted the end of the world (21:34)
• Mary – A man in the Communion line said, 'there's a backup here' after I got back in line after stepping out to help my mom. He was really upset with me. (31:16)
• Cindy (email) - Is it possible for a person to start her teaching career at 61 years old? (37:38)
• John – Some church originations are for-profit originations. (38:59)
• Julia – Concerning the email you read about going back to school: If “Cindy” would go back to school, she would be hired at lower pay plus the kids and teaching would be different. She should be a professional one-on-one teacher. (43:27)

Listeners explore a variety of topics with Patrick, ranging from different rites within the Catholic Church to the deep spiritual power of confession. Patrick provides heartfelt advice and shares personal experiences, offering a window into rich Catholic faith traditions. Callers bring unique questions, from choosing parishes to understanding aspects of religious education and sacramental practices. Expect thoughtful reflection, practical advice, and vibrant community interaction that make The Patrick Madrid Show a must-listen.

• Molly – Is it ok for us to go to a Byzantine Parish? Do I have to follow their calendar? (01:32)
• Sadie - Julie made a valid comment but we need to trust the Lord and be there for the youth. Maybe the youth behave this way because adults are afraid of them. (09:36)
• Phyllis - I encourage Cindy to go back. I went to school for nursing at 50. I only regret not doing it sooner. (11:58)
• Google searches for ‘How to Reduce Stress’ just hit a record high (19:21)
• Elizabeth - Friends haven’t gone to Confession in years. They were told by a priest that they didn't have to go. (24:02)
• Al - Jesus says he isn't going to the feast, and then he goes to the feast. How should we interpret this? (37:11)
• Paul (email) – Should godfather be capitalized? (41:48)
• Lane - How can I be attentive and reverent while attending Mass in a different language? (44:39)
• Maria – Is there a good book for first communion and Baptism? (47:54)

Patrick addresses the importance of choosing the right godparents and confirmation sponsors while emphasizing the significance of family and faith. He highlights the alarming trend of road rage incidents against Tesla drivers, offering a thoughtful perspective on the current social climate. Patrick provides practical advice on handling family matters with compassion and encourages community support.

• Cecilia (email) – Can a non-practicing Catholic be a sponsor for Confirmation? (01:21)
• John - My mom stopped going to Confession because she said she had no mortal sins in the last 10 years (06:27)
• Rudy - When is it the proper time to sit in the pew after communion, when everything is purified or when the priest sits? (11:53)
• Emily - My children's godparents are not living the faith and my godchild's mother has left the faith. What should I do? (18:42)
• Audio: (Another) Tesla road rage incident (31:52)
• Rosy - I need some way to convince my adult children that pre-marital sex is wrong (43:10)

On today's Patrick Madrid Show on Hour 1, Patrick shares some good news and also interacts with the following callers:

News about possible miracle through intercession to Cardinal Pell

23andMe in bankruptcy and has been given permission to sell consumer genetic data.

Joshua - Can you have the Sacrament exposed even if no is able to adore?

Frank - I was taught that we had to fast at midnight but Vatican II relaxed it to 1 hour. What does the 1-hour rule apply too? Can you chew gum or suck on suckers before?

In Hour 2, Patrick discusses the following news, plus callers join the conversation:

News about the earthquake in Myanmar.

Maria - In the Spanish version of Hail Mary what does "Dios Te Salve", mean since Mary doesn't have any sin?

Teresa - If the incarnation did not take place the way it did, would we still be partakers in God's work?

Robert - My ex's father passed. should I go to the funeral?

Email – Anonymous - How specific do I need to be with mortal sin, and should I have a confessor who knows me or should I go to one that I don’t know?

Alethia - I saw a history show that talked about big stones that were moved around by cyclops with a 3rd eye. is it true and how do I know what is true and not?

Isabel - Does God still love Satan and demons?

Valentina - If anger is a sin, then why is God angry with his people?

Mark - Without limbo, how do you remove original sin, what is purpose of Baptism? During consecration, what power does the priest have the power to do it?

In Hour 3, Patrick discusses the following:

• Josh - What does it mean when God hardened the Pharaoh’s heart? does that take away free will?
• Doug - At mass mother who has small children and breaks the Eucharist and feeds it to them even though they are not of age.
• Michelle - When Father purifies vessels after mass, can another person do that or only a priest?
• Pearl - Read your book and I became Catholic.
• Victoria - We are talking about gender affirming care in my master’s class. how can i talk about this charitably?
• Tom - can you explain why masturbation a mortal sin?
• Diego - Why do we need to ask others to pray for us if God already knows what we need?