Patrick discusses the power of prayer, the challenges of faith, and the influence of technology on daily life. This hour also explores concerns about smartphone addiction, the differences in how various generations handle technology, and the need to maintain a healthy balance. Patrick answers thoughtful questions about why the Bible can be interpreted in many ways and explains the role of the Church in guiding understanding. Emotional moments include a caller’s journey through sobriety and loss, highlighting the comfort found in faith. Patrick offers encouragement and practical advice, providing listeners with support, hope, and wisdom to carry through their day.

• Ellen - Can I pray the Rosary if I am not Catholic? (00:37)
• Elijah - My little brother would pretend he had a phone with his wallet. I think it is funny. (04:33)
• Matthew - There was a scholarship in Steubenville encouraging kids to not use their smart phone and to go to a dumb phone. (13:28)
• Carmen (email) – Why isn’t the bible crystal clear? (22:08)
• Patrick shares some emails that have come into the show today about cell phones and technology addiction (35:42)
• Mel – My boyfriend died in front of me while at the same time I was struggling to be sober from alcoholism. I give everything to God now, but I have a friend who says that I shouldn't give everything to God but rather says that it comes from me because she has a perspective that we are gods. What should I do? (46:16)

Patrick discusses the recent Senate bill eliminating federal taxes on tips for service industry workers and considers the effects on single parents and wait staff. He also addresses new Colorado legislation regarding “misgendering” and “deadnaming,” raising concerns about religious freedoms and state mandates. This hour features a powerful listener story of overcoming heroin addiction through methadone therapy and faith, along with calls from across the country on topics like Catholic etiquette during Eucharistic processions, the effects of technology on daily life, and handling family relationships. Patrick consistently offers honest conversation, encouragement, and practical advice for living out faith in today’s changing society.

• Senate unanimously approves bill to eliminate tax on tips (00:22)
• Colorado House Democrats pass bill that makes "misgendering" a "discriminatory act," and can take children away from parents who "misgender" (04:35)
• Mark - I had a heroine addiction. I use methadone and now I am addicted to that. Is that a sin? (08:16)
• Patrick shares some more emails that have come into the show today about cell phones and technology addiction (22:09)
• Maria – The Kelly Loving Act of Colorado - There are a lot of people praying for an end to this. (26:35)
• Danielle – The Family Rosary has helped me through my addiction (30:47)
• Sheila - Thanks for the book Surprised by Truth. After reading, I understood more why I became Catholic. (33:14)
• Mike - Appreciated the conversation on swearing yesterday (38:13)
• Daniel - What can we do to make the 10-minute homily more inspiring? (42:39)
• Juan - How should I treat my brother-in-law who divorced my sister? (48:10)

Patrick opens with some Taco Tuesday fun and shares a personal story about his grandson’s confirmation before shifting to thoughtful listener questions about purgatory, confession, and Catholic teachings on the afterlife.

• Patrick shares that he was at his grandson’s confirmation last night  (00:35)
• Denise (email) – Can a soul go from purgatory to hell? (02:39)
• Chase - I just wanted to thank you. (09:04)
• Ben - Is it proper to bow when Mary is mentioned in Mass. How can I give my friend a push to go to confession? (23:15)
• Jacob - Does a nonresistant nonbeliever exist? Can someone want to know God but not be able to find him? (38:07)
• Renee - Gospel of Luke. How come Mary and Zechariah both questioned angel and Zechariah was unable to speak but not Mary? (45:28)

Patrick answers listener questions on Catholic traditions and practices, like the meaning behind bowing at Mass and whether it’s appropriate to bow toward statues. He gives practical advice to parents on guiding teens with their media and reading choices, introducing resources to help them make good decisions. Patrick responds to concerns about how Catholic teaching views sacraments like baptism and marriage from other Christian denominations. The episode features powerful conversion stories, including a caller who found faith after time in prison and an email from a former Satanist. Throughout, Patrick encourages listeners in their faith journey and shares insights on how families can continue meaningful conversations about faith as children grow into adulthood.

• Adam - I was also taught not to bow to Mary and Jesus, but was told to do so as an altar server. (00:47)
• Libby – I’m a mom of 7, soon to be 8. I need help with teenage daughters. Trying to explain why my girls shouldn’t be reading “I’m Glad My Mom Died”. What can I say or give them to read instead? (04:40)
• Nancy (email) – I have always bowed to the priest (17:40)
• Justin - How come the Catholic Church doesn’t recognize other church's communion and sacraments? (24:21)
• Dustin (email) – I was a former Satanist and want to thank Patrick for bringing me home to the Catholic Church (38:51)
• Saul (email) – Does God use the Devil to test us? (45:35)

Patrick brings listeners honest and engaging conversations about setting a good example and staying virtuous in everyday life, despite a culture that often encourages the opposite. Patrick addresses real challenges, like parenting teens exposed to bad language, breaking away from negative family habits, and choosing faith amid peer pressure at work. He shares practical stories from his own experience, responds to callers with compassionate advice on marriage and spiritual growth, and underscores the powerful impact of pilgrimages and steadfast prayer.

• Amy (email) – What would you do if you heard your kids listening to music with bad words in it? (03:02)
• Mike - Disparity of cult. My wife and I were both lapsed non-practicing Catholics. I’ve since become a hardcore Catholic, but she is not. What do you recommend? (22:02)
• Laura – I use a lot of foul language, and I like your analogy and am finding it helpful. (31:34)
• Melinda (email) – Visiting Fatima had a giant impact on my marriage! (36:39)
• Eric - I work with a bunch of construction guys, and it is hard not to fall into cursing. (38:44)
• Terra (email) – I was told I had a spirit following me (47:24)

The Email That Sparked It All

Cyrus read an email from Ray in Texas, who asked a fair and honest question:

“Aren’t we spending too much time on Mary? Shouldn’t we focus more on Jesus?”

You could practically hear Patrick rubbing his hands together; he was itching to respond. And respond he did... with biblical insight and big-time love for the Blessed Mother.

Patrick’s first big point: The Rosary is all about Jesus.

Even though we’re repeating the Hail Mary, we’re actually meditating on key events in Jesus’ life:

-The Annunciation

The Baptism

-The Passion

-The Crucifixion

-The Resurrection

These are Jesus-focused mysteries. Mary is in the picture, sure... but as the ultimate mom. She is always directing us straight to her Son. 

Mary's Role: The Ultimate "Point You to Jesus" Mother

If anyone’s worried that Mary might steal the spotlight, Patrick reminds us of John 2:5.

“Do whatever He tells you.”

That’s Mary talking. Not “Do whatever I say” or “Look at me!” but “Go to Jesus.” 

So even if someone’s spiritual life gets a little too “Marian-heavy”, Mary will lovingly redirect them. She’s the queen of humility. 

Scripture shows Mary as a constant presence throughout Jesus’ life:

-She carried Him in the womb.

-She nursed Him and raised Him.

-She taught Him as a child.

-She stood at the foot of the Cross.

-She was there at Pentecost, too.

No one was closer to Jesus in His earthly life. And God Himself chose her for this role. So... if she’s important to Him, she should be important to us too.

The Bottom Line

So don’t stress if you love Our Lady. You’re in excellent company, including Jesus Himself.

Patrick shares the importance of clear communication and how even simple messages can be misunderstood without proper guidance. He uses a parable to illustrate interpreting scripture, addresses if Pope Leo needs to pay US taxes, and how to make good faith decisions at home. Patrick demonstrates how clarity, tradition, and genuine connection strengthen both faith and everyday life.

• Martin (email) – I don’t understand the significance of “I never said you stole money” (01:40)
• Will Pope Leo XIV have to file and pay U.S. taxes? (17:14)
• Angie - What happens to our prayers if we pray for the dead who are either in heaven or in hell? How does God use these prayers? (23:26)
• Ray (email) - I get that we should pray the Rosary, but I feel like we as Catholics spend too much time with that as compared to one on one with Jesus. Should we be mindful that we are not spending more time praying to Mary as opposed to Jesus? (31:02)
• Leonard (email) - I was like Ray as well until I heard a good Catholic Priest explain that Jesus is center of the Hail Mary. (38:44)
• Rose (email) - Is it ok for a non-Catholic to receive communion? (40:47)
• John – My friend has cancer but is not Catholic. Can a non-Catholic receive last rites? (45:55)

Patrick discusses why the FBI is moving out of the Hoover Building, answers honest questions about Catholic beliefs on salvation, judgment, and the afterlife, and explains the debate about blessings during communion. Patrick also covers the history of deacons and addresses the topic of female ordination, clarifies the differences between Eastern Orthodox and Catholic Churches, and shares inspiring listener stories from those exploring conversion to Catholicism.

• Kash Patel announces he is shutting down the FBI Headquarters in DC (00:33)
• Jeanie - I am not a practicing Catholic. I was attending a nondenominational Church. My relationship is straight to God. (04:07)
• Lindsey - What is the history of deacons in the Catholic Church? When you hear some say that we should have female deacons, could that happen or are they only males? (21:26)
• David - I think most Orthodox Churches are in Communion with Rome. if we are both in union with Rome, we should be able to take each other's communion. (26:01)
• Michael - I am coming into the Church and am a former Baptist pastor. Should I be going up during the Eucharist to receive a blessing? (30:29)
• Roy - I receive blessings as a non-Catholic during Communion. Is this a waste of time for me to do? (46:45)

Patrick addresses Catholic school vaccination policies, overcoming spiritual hardships, and shares how callers trust in God during uncertainty. Patrick offers clarity through early Church writings, guidance on handling spiritual oppression, and practical advice about choosing the right educational resources, highlighting Kolbe Academy.

• Dan - I went through the same experience coming back to the Church. Reading about the Apostolic Fathers helped me. Protestants never look at the history of the Church. (01:31)
• Kate - My son is going to a Catholic school, and he is fully vaccinated. I am questioning some of the vaccinations that they are asking for. Is there anything that I can do to go around these requirements? (05:32)
• Laura - Can we be spiritually oppressed or attacked? (14:12)
• Rocio - I wanted to encourage Kate. I stumbled on Kolbe Academy because of Relevant Radio. (27:56)
• Susanne – My friend called and said she will be going to Switzerland for assisted suicide. What can I do? (32:48)
• Francisco (email) – What’s the name of that book? Answer: “The Spiritual Combat” by Lorenzo Scupoli (41:05)
• Robert - Is the relationship in the Trinity akin to being the vine and branches? (42:14)
• Nicholas - How do you understand Revelations 21:8.? What is a 2nd death? (44:41)

Patrick shared a quick but oh-so-needed reflection that will resonate deeply. He read a recent interview from Vatican News featuring Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo (from Africa), about that ever-present buzz around division in the Church. 

The real story is way deeper than the drama on your social media feed. 

Media vs. Reality: Not the Same Thing

Cardinal Ambongo said this:

“The press often claims the Church is divided between conservatives and progressives... These categories do not exist among the Cardinals themselves.”

Whoa. So, while social media might make it seem like the Church is at war with itself (team trad vs. team modern, etc.), the actual Cardinals are not playing that game. 

According to the Cardinal, what really happened at the conclave (you know, the one that just gave us Pope Leo XIV) was unity. Not fake, PR-crafted unity, but a shared love for Jesus Christ.

The Church = A Person, Not a Platform

Cardinal Ambongo gets to the heart of it:

“The Church is not an ideology... but rather an attachment to a person, and that person is Jesus Christ.”

Can we get an Amen? 

This isn’t about being “Team Benedict” or “Team Francis” or “Team Trad Latin Mass Only.” The real “team” is:

Team Jesus.

At the end of the day, Jesus didn’t ask Peter, “Do you have the right liturgical preference?”

He asked, “Do you love me?” 

Patrick’s Take: Strive for Unity, Not Cliques

Patrick ties it back to Scripture: St. Paul calling out early Christians for splitting into camps (remember “I’m with Apollos!” “I’m with Cephas!” etc.).

Paul shut that down hard because it missed the point: It’s all about Christ.

Patrick’s challenge for us? 

Even when the online world feels loud, snarky, and divided... especially within Catholic circles, we have to remember our purpose. And live like it. It’s Jesus. Period.

Final Word

If you’ve been feeling a little disheartened by all the Catholic infighting online, let this be your reminder: the Body of Christ is bigger than our factions.

Like Patrick said: this is also an ideal to strive for. Let’s get back to what unites us.

Want more thoughtful commentary like this?

Catch The Patrick Madrid Show live weekdays on the Relevant Radio app, 8–11am CT.

Because in a noisy world, we could all use a little more truth... and a little less X/Twitter.