Great Story Great Saints: Patrick examines the life of Saint Ignatius of Antioch, painting his courage in vivid strokes, drawing connections from ancient martyrs to today’s challenges. Ancient heroes and modern struggles pulse together, bridging centuries in candid, living conversation.

• St. Ignatius of Antioch (01:30)
• Sophia - You always talk about attending invalid weddings. How do I break the news to my parents that I will not be attending my brother's wedding? (10:56)
• Ron - How much notice do priests need before the wedding? How did the letters of St. Ignatius of Antioch survive? (24:37)
• St. Polycarp of Smyrna (37:47)
• Joe - Isn't it great to have all the saints as our friends (51:06)
• Elly - Do you know anything about St. Anne the Blessed Mother's mom. Could you comment on her? (51:46)

Great Story Great Saints: Patrick brings listeners into the lives and radical choices of saints like Cyprian of Carthage and John Chrysostom, painting vivid contrasts between heroic virtue and everyday faith. He explores what being a saint means, drawing a sharp line between the Church’s ancient teachings and today’s beliefs, while refusing to sugarcoat the cost of conviction and the challenges of Church history. Patrick urges everyone—believers and skeptics alike—to confront the evidence from the earliest Christians and question what keeps them outside the Catholic faith.

• St. Cyprian of Carthage (06:48)
• St. John Chrysostom (35:14)

Great Story Great Saints: Patrick explores the lives of saints with vivid storytelling and answers questions about Old Testament figures, canonization mysteries, and whether it’s right to seek the prayers of Blesseds, letting sharp details and unexpected dialogue spark curiosity.

• St. Irenaeus of Lyons (04:34)
• Robert - My 2 favorites are Fulton Sheen and Romano Guardini. Is there any movement for the canonization of these two individuals? (24:19)
• Is All Saints Day a Holy Day of Obligation? (28:19)
• Scott - I believe the Blessed Mother is very powerful and saved this man I was praying for. (29:39)
• St. Athanasius of Alexandria (36:29)
• Luke - Are the older prophets in the Bible considered Saints? (46:20)
• Monica - At my Church we do a Saint and Blessed party. Someone from our group thought it was incorrect to not ask Blessed to pray for them. Is that Correct? (52:32)

Patrick spotlights the surge of antisemitism, weaving together remarks from Pope Leo XIV, clips from Douglas Murray and Mosab Hassan Yousef, and firsthand stories from everyday voices. Conversations twist and turn through political unrest, religious tensions, and the worries of Western societies as Patrick raises questions about faith, identity, and security. Even moments of personal reflection and listener calls crackle with urgency, challenging Catholics to respond in this climate of growing hostility.

• Pope Leo XIV condemns rise of antisemitism (Patrick translates) – (03:31) https://x.com/breeadail/status/1983501738024816649
• Audio: Douglass Murray, "what level of evil do you have to fall into . . ." (09:52) (https://x.com/VividProwess/status/1983458795222110602
• Audio: Mosab Hasan Yosef, son of Hamas founder, warning is clear: "if you support terror, you are the enemy – (14:21) https://x.com/adi13/status/1982646723915948070?s=46&t=m_l2itwnFvka2DG8_72nHQ
• Audio: “it’s jihad against civilization” - Mosab Hassan Yousef - https://x.com/adi13/status/1981563717662670891?s=46&t=m_l2itwnFvka2DG8_72nHQ
• Audio: Mosab Hassan Yousef (son of Hamas founder) ruthlessly destroys Hamas's false narrative - https://x.com/LizaRosen0000/status/1912358038066823275 
• Audio: Dov Hikind on Real America - recent attacks in Israel against our Christian brothers and sisters are despicable and must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law – (25:38) https://x.com/hikinddov/status/1947472780683055241?s=46&t=m_l2itwnFvka2DG8_72nHQ
• Audio: Nigel Farage answering press questions about Muslims threatening Jews and others in public - and strongly condemns what he describes as "proper racism" and intimidation during a masked protest march in Tower Hamlets over the weekend – (32:21) https://x.com/ukj0n/status/1982823348577948000?s=46&t=m_l2itwnFvka2DG8_72nHQ
• Audio: Nigel Farage addressing parliament regarding Muslim immigration - https://x.com/yossibenyakar/status/1982788225719505187?s=46&t=m_l2itwnFvka2DG8_72nHQ
• Audio: UK Muslims bragging about how they’re not here to take part, they’re here to take over – (37:59) https://x.com/wgthink/status/1934219429660823654?s=46&t=m_l2itwnFvka2DG8_72nHQ
• Fr. Volodymry - I was fired from a Catholic hospital because I was accused of being anti-Islamic. Your show about Dearborn MI really struck me. How is it that we are allowing this Islamic? (41:13)
• Audio: Women increasingly in danger in the UK because of Islamic immigrants – Alex Phillips says she's never felt as unsafe in London as she does now - https://x.com/basil_tgmd/status/1982381720189255934?s=46&t=m_l2itwnFvka2DG8_72nHQ

Patrick answers tough questions from callers, weighing in on Harry Potter’s place in Catholic homes, differences between fantasy series, and the concerns around fascination with the occult. He fields thoughts on the origins of “Roman Catholic,” whether calling oneself “Judeo Roman Catholic” makes sense, and sorts through confusion about Jewish and Hebrew identities with historical insights and recommended resources. With callers pressing for clarity on topics from biblical symbolism to church teaching, Patrick keeps the conversation brisk, heartfelt, and unapologetically honest.

• Rose - Should Catholic parents allow kids to read Harry Potter and why? (01:003)
• Robert - Assimilation issue with Muslims: How did the United State become how it is today? (07:44)
• Debbie - When the caller talks about being Judeo Catholic, that could be confused with following Old Testament Laws. (22:01)
• Gebman - Psalm 75 uses the word horns. What does this mean? Does it mean “strength”? (35:46)
• Irma - I find it interesting that the earlier caller, Robert, calls himself a Judeo Christian. I thought the Old Testament was for the Jews and the New Testament was for the Gentiles. (37:16)
• Madeline - Is there a specific prayer that you are supposed to pray to St. Jude to get the benefits of his intercession? 2nd question: Can someone kill themselves and not go to hell? (43:23)

Patrick opens the phones to questions about faith, baptism, and what truly defines the Catholic Church, moving from heartfelt concerns about re-baptism to passionate exchanges with skeptics like Rich, who challenges Jesus’s divinity and the origins of Catholic belief. He fields queries on confession and rituals, all while offering sharp insights, scriptural responses, and the occasional smile when listeners push back or disagree. Calls range from bewildered to bold, and Patrick doesn’t shy away from the tough stuff as he meets every topic, from indulgences to religious freedom, head on.

• Justin - I feel like Holy Spirit is calling me to be rebaptized. My pastor does not agree and won't do it. Do you have any thoughts? (00:34)
• Rich - I discovered that Jesus denounced Catholicism, so how could he be the founder? (09:08)
• John - Do we need to say the Act of Contrition before you get Absolution? (23:04)
• Dolores – Should we place limitations on the rights of the religious? Didn't Utah have to renounce polygamy before it became a state? (31:14)
• Patrick shares some emails in response to Rich’s call earlier in this hour
• Nick - I was baptized as a Ukrainian Catholic. I had the sacrament of Confirmation as an infant. How was this valid? (40:04)
• Doug - What is required to get a plenary indulgence? (42:41)

When Melissa wrote to The Patrick Madrid Show, her email was simple and direct: she’d been a bridesmaid in two weddings years ago, both involving Catholics who married outside the Church without dispensation. Now that she understands her faith better, she wonders if she sinned by participating.

Patrick begins with calm reassurance. “If you didn’t know the Church’s teaching at the time, then no – you didn’t sin,” he says. “You can’t be guilty of what you didn’t know.” Ignorance doesn’t excuse every act, but it removes moral culpability when the person truly doesn’t understand what they’re doing. Still, he added, “If your conscience bothers you, bring it to confession. Just mention it briefly and leave it at the foot of the Cross.”

Patrick then turns to the practical question: should Catholics attend such weddings? To explain his answer, he points to the example of St. John the Baptist. Herod’s marriage to his brother’s wife wasn’t valid, and John spoke out against it. That’s what led to his imprisonment and death. Patrick imagines Herod visiting John in prison: “Can you picture Herod saying, ‘John, I know you disagree with my marriage but just come to the reception. Keep the peace. Have a good meal.’ Do you think John would have said yes?” Patrick pauses. “If St. John the Baptist wouldn’t go along to get along, why should we?”

For him, the choice is about integrity. A Catholic can love family without surrendering faith. In moments of tension, fidelity to Christ matters more than social comfort.

Patrick answers questions about whether demons hate Latin, the Church's approach to marital intimacy, and what attitude to bring to Mass, sprinkling in humor and commentary on youth slang. He fields practical concerns from callers, reflects on Catholic traditions, and offers advice for handling postpartum challenges and everyday dilemmas. Insights are sharpened as Patrick balances reverence and wit, blending ancient teachings with modern quirks.

• Mikaela (email) – Why do demons hate Latin? (00:53)
• Email – Is Viagra okay to use? (13:29)
• Monica - I like what you said about Latin. I think it is more of a prayer. The main language in the Vatican is English now. (20:39)
• Leonard - Latin was also touched to the cross. (25:29)
• Richard - I am confused about the act of marriage. My wife has not been able to be intimate for over 30 years. Can you clarify the sinfulness of accommodating this? (30:26)
• Billy (email) – What attitude should I have during Mass?
• Eleanor – Should we sit down when the priest sits down? (38:37)
• Jessica - I had a baby 6 weeks ago and have no interest in husband-and-wife duties. Am I sinning that I don't want to be available for this? (44:24)

Patrick takes calls about silence in church, the meaning of praying for peace, and tough moral questions about suicide within Catholicism. He responds to stories of cross-dressing teens at parish events, holding hands during Mass, and questions about annulment, tossing in practical solutions, encouragement from scripture, and personal stories.

• Araceli - What do you think about getting to Church 15 minutes beforehand? When I arrive early, people are chatting like they are in a coffee shop. (02:37)
• Mary - We are supposed to pray for peace on earth. This seems to go against human nature? Why should we pray for peace? (09:45)
• Erin (email) – Is there hope for the mentally ill? (17:32)
• Patricia - My daughter is marrying a married and divorced person who was baptized. Does he need an annulment? (22:43)
• Janelle - I went to a new Church, and they raise their hands up. Is that normal now? (32:49)
• Rick - Saying the Rosary before the Mass seems to keep things reverent and quiet beforehand. (39:09)
• Michael - You have to have faith. Praying for peace on earth is a pipe dream. Why pray for something that is not realistic. I have no faith that this will be answered. (41:02
• Sean - Is it ok to hold hands during the Our Father during Mass? 48:23)

Patrick fields calls about everything from family burial choices and comfort after loss, to confusion with Church practices like lay ministers, marriage preparation, and even tattoos, always infusing clear Catholic insight and vivid storytelling. Technology glitches, tradition debates, and personal struggles tumble together in this hour as Patrick balances empathy, candor, and humor while offering practical, faith-based advice.

• Audio: “Cis” American liberal gets educated by transindigenous man of color. (00:34)
• Ron - Is all of this technology doing us any good. I am a disabled vet. I don't know what is going on anymore and I am tired of it. (05:44)
• Victor - I have been dreaming about my mother and brother who both passed away. Is this necromancy, wanting to see them again? (11:09)
• Maria - I hear that cremation is not a good idea for Catholics. (13:22)
• Amy (email) - What is the church’s position on donating one’s body to science? (23:12)
• Linda - I came from the Latin Mass recently to a newer mass. I have a problem with Eucharistic Ministers. Can you explain this? (26:43)
• Matt - I am in OCIA and so is my girlfriend. We are eager to get married. Does it have to happen in the Church or can we do it beforehand and then get it convalidated? (38:22)
• Catherine - Donating the body to science: You either get remains back cremated or body goes to mass grave. (44:21)
• Julie - My daughter is a very religious Catholic and thinking about getting a tattoo. (47:11)